LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Written Questions: Regional Government

Theresa May: To ask the Leader of the House whether she plans to allow regional Ministers to answer written parliamentary questions from hon. Members.

Harriet Harman: The accountability of regional Ministers is one of the issues which the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons has confirmed will be an inquiry.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards: Pay

Gregory Campbell: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what the  (a) salaries of staff in and  (b) total costs incurred by the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards were in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Nick Harvey: The total staffing costs of the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards for 2006-07 were £379,609 and the overall running costs £386,548, as reported in the Commissioner's 2006-07 Annual Report (HC1012). These figures do not include indirect overhead costs, such as accommodation, which are not available. It is not the Commission's practice to give details of individual salaries.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Birds: Conservation

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he  (a) has had recently and  (b) plans to have with conservation organisations and statutory country agencies on the future of the UK bird registration scheme under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Joan Ruddock: My Department has discussed the bird registration scheme with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the RSPB and the Hawk Board recently. On 6 December, I am due to meet the RSPB, the Hawk Board and a number of other organisations, together with Members of Parliament who have shown an interest in the future of the bird registration scheme.

Birds: Conservation

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely effect of a discontinuation or weakening of the UK bird registration scheme under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on  (a) the enforcement of wildlife crime in the UK and  (b) the UK's biodiversity targets; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs. Moon) on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 861W. Birds registered under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are primarily captive bred birds. The UK's biodiversity targets are aimed at improving the conservation status of wild species. Only six species of wild birds subject to registration are also subject to biodiversity action plans, and these are only kept in very low numbers. Therefore any discontinuation of the bird registration scheme is unlikely to affect the UK's biodiversity targets.

British Waterways: Finance

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the likely impact of budget reductions on British Waterways.

Jonathan R Shaw: The formal comprehensive spending review settlement for 2008-09 to 2010-11 for Departments has been announced and will now be followed by DEFRA's own financial allocation process, during which the budget for British Waterways will be determined. The final allocations will not be known until the new year after further discussions with Ministers. The process of allocation will be based on careful prioritisation across the Department and all its sponsored bodies. We are engaging British Waterways in this and working with them to develop a long-term strategy which will maximise public benefits while delivering an affordable sustainable network within the total funding available.

Carbon Emissions: Government Departments

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent estimate he has made of the carbon dioxide emissions of each Department as a result of the consumption of  (a) gas,  (b) electricity and  (c) water in each year since 1997.

Phil Woolas: The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) publishes information on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions arising from central Government Departments in its sustainable development in government report. SDC data are only from 1999-2000 and include data on emissions from electricity and use of fossil fuels. There are no estimates of CO2 emissions arising from water consumption.
	The latest annual report is available on their website at:
	http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/sdig2006/.

Climate Change

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton of 12 November 2007,  Official Report, column 12W, on climate change, if he will clarify the information given in the tables; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: A detailed description of UK emissions estimates can be found in the 'UK Climate Change Programme: Annual Report to Parliament, 2007', as laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 2 of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006. Copies of the report can be found in the parliamentary Libraries.

Coastal Areas: Standards

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many beaches were awarded blue flag status in each of the last three years.

Phil Woolas: The information requested is set out in the following table.
	
		
			   2005  2006  2007 
			 Blue flag awards (England) 65 77 85 
			 Blue flag awards (UK) 118 136 149 
		
	
	More information can be found on the Blue Flag website.

Commission for Rural Communities: Finance

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will publish the budget of the Commission for Rural Communities for  (a) 2006-07 and  (b) 2007-08; and what the planned budget is for (i) 2008-09 and (ii) each subsequent year of the current spending round.

Jonathan R Shaw: The 2006-07 budget for the Commission for Rural Communities has already been published in their Annual Report and Accounts, which are available in the Libraries of the House. The budget for 2007-08 has also already been published and is available in the Commission's published Corporate Plan, available from their website. Details of the Commission's future funding will be announced in due course.

Convention on Biological Diversity

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on decision V/5 of the Convention on Biological Diversity on socio-economic and scientific assessments; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock: Decision V/5 of the Conference of the Parties refers to the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity and covers a wide range of issues. To be able to provide the information required by the hon. Member a more specific request is required. The hon. Member is welcome to write to me with the details and I will respond to him.

Departmental Carbon Emissions

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if his Department will adopt the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme.

Phil Woolas: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs adopted the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme in April 2005.

Departmental Carbon Emissions

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department met the targets in the Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate to reverse the trend in carbon dioxide emissions by April.

Joan Ruddock: The report of Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate 2006-07 is not yet complete. Publication is expected in January 2008.

Departmental Finance

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons he transferred £26,800,000 to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills for the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste programme; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock: The Business Resource Efficiency and Waste Programme's (BREW) funding is distributed to regional and national delivery bodies over three years (April 2005 to March 2008).
	£26,800,000 was transferred to the Department for Innovation, University and Skills' Technology Strategy Board in 2007-08 to run the Sustainable Consumption and Production strand of their Technology Programme, which provides grants for research and development into resource efficiency and for knowledge transfer networks. The transfer reflected commitments that had already been made by the Technology Programme, in agreement with DEFRA.

EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg on 22 to 23 October 2007.

Jonathan R Shaw: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made on 8 November 2007,  Official Report, column 17WS, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State (Hilary Benn).

Floods: Kent

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which areas of Kent he has identified as particularly vulnerable to flooding; and if he will make a statement on future plans for flood defence spending in Kent.

Phil Woolas: The areas of Kent at the greatest risk of flooding are those within the low-lying fringes of the coastline. Flooding from the sea has major consequences due mainly to the speed at which the flood can occur. Two thirds of the 71,000 people at risk of flooding in Kent are at risk from the sea.
	The Environment Agency is the principal operating authority with responsibility for flood risk management in England and uses long-term plans to identify the best way to reduce flood risk. These 100-year plans, developed with key partners, set out the schemes required. This year the Environment Agency is spending a capital budget of £18 million in Kent to reduce flood risk.
	Specific allocations for future years have not yet been set but spend for flood and coastal erosion risk management across all operating authorities will rise progressively from the current level of £600 million a year to £800 million in 2010-11. DEFRA funding will be directed to the most pressing problems on a national basis using a prioritisation system which reflects new Outcome Measures for the programme.

Floods: Repairs and Maintenance

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2007,  Official Report, column 141, on responsibility for repairing damage to infrastructure from flooding, who is responsible for the maintenance of, and repairs to, the infrastructure of drains following the summer floods in 2007.

Phil Woolas: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 November 2007,  Official Report, column 14W.

Fly-Tipping

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many incidents of fly-tipping were recorded in  (a) the east of England and  (b) Suffolk in each of the last five years; what the estimated cost was of dealing with incidents of fly-tipping in each area in each year; and how many (i) prosecutions and (ii) convictions there were for fly-tipping in each area in each year.

Joan Ruddock: I have arranged for a table to be placed in the Library of the House showing the number of fly-tipping incidents and prosecutions recorded in each local authority by local authorities on Flycapture for 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
	Following the release of the 2006-07 Flycapture statistics on 9 October 2007, this information has been sent to all MPs and has been placed in the Printed Paper Office.
	It is also available to download electronically on DEFRA's Flycapture website:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/flytipping/flycapture-data.htm

Game: Non-Domestic Rates

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will provide his Department's list of game farms to the Valuation Office Agency for its work on business rates; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock: DEFRA holds information on those game farms of over 50 birds that have provided their details to the Great Britain Poultry Register (GBPR), a register set up to control and prevent avian influenza. DEFRA is currently consulting on expanding the uses to which the information on the register might be put.
	One of the issues canvassed in the consultation paper is the possibility of sharing data with other Government Departments and non-departmental public bodies (NDPB). When the consultation process is complete, and responses have been analysed, DEFRA will be able to form a view on whether the supply of personal data to the Valuation Office Agency (or any other Government Department or NDPB) is tenable.
	No decisions will be made about the sharing and use of GBPR data, in addition to what already happens, until this process is complete. Since a lot of the information in question would constitute personal data, any such decisions will take full account of our obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 and relevant guidance, such as that issued by the Information Commissioner.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme: Finance

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the procedure is for reimbursing CORGI gas installers who accept Warm Front vouchers and who do not have access to the internet.

Phil Woolas: Installers registering for the Warm Front 300 heating rebate scheme must do so using the internet.
	Once successfully registered, installers are reimbursed by sending the voucher and claim form with the customer's signature and a copy of the invoice to the Scheme Manager at eaga plc. Following checks, eaga plc will make the payment within 30 days.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme: Finance

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at what stage his Department informs CORGI gas installers installing equipment under the Warm Front programme that £50 of each £300 voucher they accept in payment from a customer will be withheld from them as payment for administration charges.

Phil Woolas: The scheme description and processes sections of the Warm Front 300 rebate scheme website details the £50 administration charge. Installers must confirm that they fully understand these processes prior to their registration to work on the scheme.

Housing: Carbon Emissions

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government have taken to encourage the building and construction industry to build carbon zero housing.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 27 November 2007
	I have been asked to reply.
	The Government have put in place a wide set of programmes to encourage the building and construction industry to build zero carbon housing.
	My Department has commissioned English Partnerships to run the Carbon Challenge. The aim is to accelerate the house building industry's response to climate change by creating a number of zero carbon communities and to equip the industry with the appropriate skills and technology. In the first phase of the Carbon Challenge around 1,000 zero carbon homes will be built all of which will be required to meet Level 6, which is the highest level, of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
	Furthermore, the industry, together with local authorities and other stakeholders have been invited to come forward with proposals for eco-towns. Eco-towns will be entirely new settlements which are exemplar "green developments" of five to 20,000 homes and designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability. The development as a whole (including all homes) should reach zero carbon and should use the standards set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes as a guide.
	The stamp duty relief for new zero carbon homes will also act as a financial incentive to the industry.
	The building and construction industry are also represented on the 2016 task force which was established to look at the barriers to achieving zero carbon homes by 2016 and the measures needed to address them.

Inland Waterways: Finance

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effect of reductions in the budget for the maintenance of inland waterways;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the effect of reductions in the budget for inland waterways on the tourist industry.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA sponsors the three largest navigation authorities—British Waterways, the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority. DEFRA does not hold information on the funding and condition of waterways owned or managed by other navigation authorities.
	The formal CSR settlement for 2008-09 to 2010-11 for Departments has been announced. This will now be followed by the Department's own financial allocation process during which the budgets for the Environment Agency, British Waterways and the Broads will be determined. The process is based on careful prioritisation across the Department and all its sponsored bodies. We are actively engaging delivery partners in this, but most final allocations, including those for the Environment Agency and British Waterways, will not be known until the new year after further discussions within DEFRA.
	The contribution of the inland waterways to the tourist industry is acknowledged and navigation authorities will bear this in mind when determining their priorities.
	We are working with British Waterways and the Environment Agency to develop long-term strategies which will maximise public benefits whilst delivering an affordable sustainable network within the total funding available.

Members: Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to the letter of 1 October from the Minister for the Environment (reference: MC45270/TB), when he will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 26 October 2007.

Phil Woolas: I am sorry for the delay in responding. A reply will be sent to the hon. Member shortly.

Nitrate Sensitive Areas

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the nitrate levels were in each of the areas which his Department plans to designate as nitrate vulnerable zones  (a) on the most recent date for which figures are available and  (b) (i) five and (ii) 10 years prior to that date.

Phil Woolas: holding answer 29 November  2007
	We are currently consulting on this matter and no decisions have been taken.
	There are approximately 7,000 surface water monitoring points in England and Wales used to assess whether waters should be designated as polluted waters in the recent review under the nitrates directive. The information requested would require extensive research to be undertaken and therefore it is not possible to provide it because of the disproportionate costs involved.

Nitrogen Oxides: Pollution Control

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government are planning to seek a  (a) temporary and  (b) permanent derogation from mandatory air quality limits on Nox which will apply from 2010 under EU directive 1999/30/EC.

Jonathan R Shaw: There is no provision for a derogation from mandatory air quality limit values for oxides of nitrogen or nitrogen dioxide under directive 1999/30/EC. That directive sets limit values for nitrogen dioxide to be met by 2010.
	A new ambient air quality directive, currently under negotiation, is expected to permit member states to apply for an additional five years to meet the nitrogen dioxide limit values. Subject to adoption of the directive, UK Government decisions around the use of this flexibility will be subject to public consultation.

Radioactive Wastes: Waste Management

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which local authorities have expressed interest in having a depository for nuclear waste in their area; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The consultation on "Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: a Framework for Implementing Geological Disposal" closed on 2 November 2007. An invitation for communities to express an interest will be invited later, once responses to the consultation have been assessed.

Science Advisory Council: Biofuels

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Science Advisory Council supports the Government's targets on biofuels.

Phil Woolas: The Science Advisory Council (SAC) has not been asked by the Government, nor as far as I am aware has it voluntarily commented on whether it supports the Government's targets on biofuels.

Science Advisory Council: Biofuels

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations he has received from members of the Science Advisory Council on the environmental effects of the Government's targets on biofuels; which members of the Council have made such representations; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: Members of the Science Advisory Council (SAC), collectively or as individual members, have not made any representations to my Department on the environmental effects of the Government's targets on biofuels.

Sewers

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what guidelines are issued by Ofwat on the design of foul sewerage systems in respect of the frequency of storm events; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with Ofwat on the design of foul sewerage systems in respect of the frequency of storm events; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: Ofwat does not issue guidelines on the design of foul sewerage systems. This is a matter for individual water and sewerage companies. Design standards for developers constructing new sewers are produced by the water and sewerage industry itself.
	Foul sewerage systems do not carry storm water and are not therefore designed for frequency of storm events.
	Ofwat and local authorities will be represented on a steering group which will be assisting the Government in looking at build standards for future sewerage provision. This forms part of DEFRA's work on implementing the Government's decision to transfer private sewers and lateral drains draining to the public sewerage system into the ownership of the water and sewerage companies.

Summer Time: Carbon Emissions

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the likely effect on UK carbon dioxide emissions of maintaining British Summer time in winter and introducing double British Summer time in summer.

Phil Woolas: The Building Research Establishment, as part of the 2006 review of the UK Climate Change programme, estimated that adopting British summer time (BST) all year round would lead to approximately a 1 per cent. increase in carbon dioxide emissions. Switching to continental time (BST in the winter and BST plus one hour in the summer) would increase these emissions by about 2 per cent. Continental time was found to generate savings from domestic lighting and cooling in non-domestic buildings, but these effects are likely to be offset by increases in non-domestic heating and lighting, and by a small increase in domestic heating.

Water: North East Region

Doug Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will ensure that water customers in the North East region will not have to contribute to a national recovery of compensation costs which affect other regions and other water company areas under the Water Abstraction Charges Scheme.

Phil Woolas: The Environment Agency is expected to take action against abstraction licences where the abstraction is adversely impacting on conservation sites, in particular those designated under European legislation. Where it needs to revoke or modify an abstraction licence, compensation is generally payable. The compensation payments form part of the cost of meeting its duty to manage water resources and will therefore be recovered via abstraction charges.
	The Environment Agency is consulting on options to recover any compensation that may be payable. No decision on changes to abstraction charges will be taken until the consultation ends on 7 December and the Environment Agency has submitted its proposals to Ministers.

Whales

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of humpback whales living in the wild.

Jonathan R Shaw: Commercial whaling seriously depleted all humpback stocks (a species listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list of threatened species). None of the "great" whale species have recovered to pre-exploitation levels.
	The International Whaling Commission (IWC) recognises that there is considerable scientific uncertainty over the numbers of whales of different species and in different geographical stocks. For this reason, the IWC have decided not to give whale population figures except for those species/stocks which have been assessed in some detail.
	At present, the following table shows the best estimates (and associated confidence intervals) for humpback whales in certain areas.
	
		
			  Humpback whales 
			  Population  Year(s) to which estimate applies  Approximate point estimate  Approximate 95 per cent. confidence limits 
			 Western North Atlantic(1) 1992-93 11,600 10,100-13,200 
			 Southern Hemisphere south of 60S in summer (i.e. incomplete)(2) 1997-98 42,000 34,000-52,000 
			 North Pacific(3) 2007 at least 10,000 (4)— 
			 (1 )A rate of population increase of 3.1 per cent. (SE=0.005) was obtained from the Gulf of Maine for the period 1979-1993.(  )(2 )Rates of increase. East Australia: 1981-96 12.4 per cent. (95 per cent. CI 10.1-14.4 per cent.). West Australia: 1977-91 10.9 per cent. (7.9-13.9 per cent.).  (3 )Rates of increase of about 7 per cent. have been reported for the eastern North Pacific, 1990-2002. (4) Not yet available.

SCOTLAND

Departmental Food

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of  (a) beef,  (b) lamb,  (c) pork and  (d) dairy products used in his departmental headquarters were imported products in the most recent period for which figures are available.

David Cairns: None. The Scotland Office does not provide in-house canteen or other catering services.

Departmental Health Insurance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officials in his Department have private health insurance provided as part of their employment package.

David Cairns: None.

Departmental ICT

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which manufacturers' software is used in his Department.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office has a variety of software, from different manufacturers, used within the Department. A typical PC will have a Microsoft Windows XP operating systems and software packages from at least 10 manufacturers. The software build has been developed to interact well and securely with all Government Departments and aid office productivity.

Departmental Manpower

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and  (b) non-EU foreign nationals are employed by his Department.

David Cairns: All the staff in the Scotland Office are on secondment from other civil service departments, mainly the Ministry of Justice or the Scottish Executive. It is the responsibility of those Departments to provide details of EU foreign nationals and non-EU foreign nationals employed.

Departmental Pay

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in his Department and its predecessors were paid over £100,000 in each year since 1997.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999.
	Details of how many people were paid more than £100,000 in each year since 1999 are contained in the Scotland Office Annual Reports. Copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS

Education Funding

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills 
	(1)  what funding he has allocated in cash terms to  (a) Higher Education Funding Council for England funding for teaching costs only,  (b) fee grants,  (c) fee loans,  (d) maintenance loans,  (e) maintenance grants and  (f) access funds in each year from 2008-09 to 2010-11;
	(2)  what the resource cost is expected to be of  (a) fee loans and  (b) maintenance loans in each year from 2008-09 to 2010-11.

Bill Rammell: We are working through the detailed implications of the higher education settlement following the DIUS CSR07 announcement and will be in a position to provide more information early next year.

Departmental Foreign Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and  (b) non-EU foreign nationals are employed by his Department.

David Lammy: The information about EU and non EU foreign nationals could be obtained in the form requested only at disproportionate cost. All potential new appointments to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills are subject to nationality, passport, proof of identity and reference checks before contracts of employment are issued.

Departmental Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what land surplus to his Department's requirements it is  (a) selling,  (b) leasing and  (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is.

David Lammy: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has no surplus land.

Departmental Orders and Regulations

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many regulations his Department and its predecessors have  (a) made and  (b) revoked in the last 12 months.

David Lammy: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and its predecessors, the Department for Education and Skills (DFES) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in as much as DFES and DTI covered areas of work now covered by DIUS, made 40 regulations and revoked 26 in the 12 months which ended on 27 November 2007.

Education: Chelmsford

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what percentage of 18 to 24-year-olds in West Chelmsford constituency are in full-time education; and what the figures were in each of the last five years.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 28 November 2007
	Annual average estimates of the proportion of people in full-time education by age are available at a local level from the Annual Population Survey (APS(1)) and its predecessor the Local Labour Force Survey (LLFS(2)). Estimates for West Chelmsford for 2006 and for the previous five years are shown in the following table. These small area estimates are based on very small samples and are therefore subject to high sampling variability. They should therefore be treated with caution and in particular changes from year to year should not be used in isolation from the figures for a run of years. Regional and national estimates have been shown for comparison.
	(1) APS estimates are for the average of the calendar year concerned from January to December.
	(2) LLFS estimates are for the average of the 12 months from March to the following February.
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   LLFS 2001-02  LLFS 2002-03  LLFS 2003-04  APS 2004  APS 2005  APS 2006 
			 West Chelmsford 34 20 22 32 33 30 
			 East of England 18 19 22 20 22 21 
			 England 26 26 27 27 28 27

Educational Institutions: Catering

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills which  (a) further education colleges and  (b) universities have been supplied with meat by McLaren Foods in the last 12 months.

David Lammy: The information requested is not collected by this Department.

English Language: Education

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills when he plans to assess the effectiveness of the recently introduced changes to the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Bill Rammell: The first return of learner data is not expected until December 2007, and this will help to develop an understanding of the implications of the Government's changes to ESOL policy for 2007/08 at a national as well as local level. The LSC and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills are working very closely to analyse the full impact of the ESOL policy changes on demand, as well as on provider behaviour. We have commissioned additional impact assessment work to help us do this and expect to have results in the new year. The priority for the Government and the LSC is that public support is available to those who need it most, and we will continue to work towards this agenda.

Health Insurance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many officials in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies have private health insurance provided as part of their employment package.

David Lammy: The Department does not offer private health insurance as part of the employment package.
	The Department has no agencies.

Higher Education: Closures

Anne Snelgrove: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills 
	(1)  if he will make it his policy to require the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to collect information about and report to him on proposals by universities to withdraw services from specific campuses; and if he will instruct the HEFCE to do so in the case of the University of Bath and the Oakfield campus in Swindon;
	(2)  how much funding from the public purse was given to the University of Bath for the Oakfield Campus  (a) prior to and  (b) since its opening in 2000; how many higher education schemes initiated by his Department are run at the campus; and how many students were on these courses at the Oakfield Campus at the latest date for which figures are available;
	(3)  if he will assess the likely effect on the delivery of vocational courses funded by his Department at the University of Bath of that university's proposal to withdraw from the Oakfield campus in Swindon;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the University of Bath's proposal to withdraw from the Oakfield campus in Swindon on his Department's policy of encouraging greater access to higher education;
	(5)  what discussions he has had with the Higher Education Funding Council for England on the interests of students whose courses are affected by the withdrawal of universities from satellite campuses.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 27 November 2007
	Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies funded through block grant and free to decide their own strategies including the organisation of teaching and learning, in the light of their relative strengths and student demand. That said, I expect them as a matter of good practice to consult local Members of Parliament on any major reorganisation which affects their constituents.
	I understand that Bath university has decided to withdraw the offer provision of higher education from the Oakfield campus in the light of its assessment of student demand. That is a matter for the university, but I would expect all institutions contemplating changes of this sort to engage in early dialogue with HEFCE so that wherever possible, options for other alternative provision can be considered and they should also keep hon. Members informed of their future intentions. I am aware that a number of proposals about enhancing opportunities for higher education study in Swindon are currently under consideration.

Higher Education: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what percentage of 18 to 22 year olds from each London borough were studying at university  (a) in 1997 and  (b) at the latest dates for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: The main measure for tracking progress on increasing participation is currently the higher education initial participation rate (HEIPR). This is the sum of the HE initial participation rates for individual ages between 17 and 30 inclusive. It covers English-domiciled first time entrants to HE courses, which are expected to last for at least six months, at UK higher education institutions and English, Scottish and Welsh further education colleges, and who remain on their course for at least six months. The earliest figure is 39.3 per cent. for 1999-2000 and the latest available figure is 42.8 per cent. for 2005-06.
	Equivalent figures for the 18-22 year old age group are 33.4 per cent. for 1999-2000 and 36.2 per cent. for 2005-06.
	Figures for 2006-07 will become available in 2008. The HEIPR is not disaggregated below national level.
	HEFCE's 'Young participation in Higher Education' publication includes the proportion of young people who enter higher education at age 18 or 19 by local authority, although this only covers the years up to 2000. Participation rates based on this work are given on the supporting POLAR website (www.hefce.ac.uk/polar). The figures for 1997 and 2000 are shown in the table.
	
		
			  P roportion of young people from London boroughs who entered higher education at age 18 or 19, for the cohorts reaching 18 in 1997 and in 2000 
			  Percentage 
			  LSC area( 1)  Local  a uthority  1997  2000 
			 London East City of London 52 60 
			  Greenwich 21 24 
			  Hackney 19 22 
			  Lewisham 24 27 
			  Tower Hamlets 17 24 
			  Barking and Dagenham 13 15 
			  Bexley 23 26 
			  Havering 22 23 
			  Newham 26 31 
			  Redbridge 43 48 
			 London Central Camden 38 44 
			  Islington 24 30 
			  Kensington and Chelsea 48 60 
			  Lambeth 25 29 
			  Southwark 22 27 
			  Wandsworth 35 39 
			  Westminster 43 48 
			 London West Hammersmith and Fulham 33 38 
			  Brent 44 48 
			  Ealing 41 46 
			  Harrow 51 54 
			  Hillingdon 31 34 
			  Hounslow 36 41 
			 London North Barnet 51 52 
			  Enfield 35 37 
			  Haringey 31 33 
			  Waltham Forest 29 32 
			 London South Bromley 37 39 
			  Croydon 33 36 
			  Kingston upon Thames 43 47 
			  Merton 36 41 
			  Richmond upon Thames 55 56 
			  Sutton 34 35 
			 (1) Learning and Skills Council area   Source:  "Young Participation in Higher Education", published by HEFCE

Higher Education: Mature Students

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills 
	(1)  how many  (a) full-time and  (b) part-time mature students enrolled on a higher education course in each year since 2001;
	(2)  how many  (a) full-time and  (b) part-time (i) mature and (ii) other students were enrolled on higher education courses in each year since 2001.

Bill Rammell: The latest information is shown in the table. Figures for 2006/07 will be available in January 2008.
	
		
			  UK domiciled entrants to undergraduate courses by age( 1) , higher education institutions in England, 2000/01 to 2006/06 
			   2001/02  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05( 2)  2005/06 
			  Full-time  
			 Under 21 213,070 218,450 219,325 222,770 239,430 
			 21 and over 76,600 81,625 83,255 83,270 85,210 
			 Total 289,670 300,075 302,580 306,040 324,640 
			   
			  Part-time  
			 Under 21 11,970 11,770 12,665 14,570 16,750 
			 21 and over 237,390 236,950 245,935 237,040 253,425 
			 Total 249,360 248,720 258,600 251,610 270,175 
			 (1) Mature students are defined as those aged 21 or over. (2) In 2004/05, there was undercounting of students by one large part-time provider which contributed to the fall in part-time entrants between 2003/04 and 2004/05.  Note: Numbers are on a HESA Standard Registration population basis, and have been rounded to the nearest 5. Percentages may not sum to totals because of rounding.  Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Islam: Education

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills when the Higher Education Funding Council for England plans to respond to the recommendations of the report Islam at Universities in England.

Bill Rammell: The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) set out a programme of work in response to relevant recommendations in the report Islam at Universities in England in September. This will lead to proposals from HEFCE in summer 2008.

National Security

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills pursuant to the statement of the Prime Minister of 14 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 667-72, on national security, when he plans to invite universities to lead the debate on academic freedom and associated issues as referred to by the Prime Minister.

Bill Rammell: As a first step, I undertook to engage with the university sector by setting out my views in a lecture given to the Fabian Society on 27 November. A copy of this lecture can be found on the website of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. I am undertaking a number of visits to different universities to talk to students and staff about this issue as well as contact with sector bodies to encourage them to engage with and lead this debate. Academic freedom is one of the most powerful means at our disposal to challenge the views of violent extremists and to promote cohesive communities.

Overseas Students: Entry Clearances

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what estimate he has made of  (a) the number of overseas students who had to withdraw from a course at a UK university due to delays in receiving their visa and  (b) the number of overseas students who applied for university courses in the UK and subsequently applied for a student visa (i) successfully and (ii) unsuccessfully in the latest period for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: The Department does not have any figures on the numbers of overseas students who have had to withdraw from courses through delays in receiving their visas. There is no reason why applications for visas which are made in good time and with the necessary supporting documentation would be delayed. UKVisas' latest published statistics for the F/Y 2005/2006 indicate that a total of 284,447 student applications were received, of which 194,827 visas were issued and 88,897 applications refused. These figures do not distinguish between level of study and thus cover higher education, further education and language study.

Skilled Workers: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps his Department is taking to ensure that residents from each London borough will have the requisite skills to take advantage of jobs resulting from the Olympics in 2012; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell) on 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 272W.

Sponsorship

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what television programmes have been sponsored by his Department, its predecessors and its arm's length bodies since 1997; how much public money was spent in each case; which departmental initiatives, bodies or programmes they were supporting; and what assessments were made of the effectiveness of the campaigns.

David Lammy: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 24 October 2007,  Official Report, column 428W, which gives details of television programmes that have been sponsored by the Department, its predecessors and arms length bodies since 1997.
	We hold only very basic information on marketing campaigns by our agencies and am therefore unable to provide more detail. I can provide details on those campaigns specifically commissioned by the Department's predecessors.
	 Investors in People: In Good Company (September 2004 on ITV1 Carlton region)
	Spend: £100,000 to cover all production, fees, excluding VAT.
	Investors in People wished to increase take-up of its accreditation among small to medium enterprise (SME) market of between five and 250 employees.
	Qualitative research groups were conducted to evaluate the impact of the programmes.
	 Adult basic Skills: City Survival Guide (ITV London January-March 2003)
	Spend: £35,000 including production, fees, excluding VAT.
	Developed to complement the national Gremlins publicity campaign at a more local level.
	No formal research evaluation conducted of this specific element of a much wider, long-term campaign. Viewers were able to call a helpline number to find out more about adult literacy courses.

Students: Finance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills if he will make a statement on the Department's proposal to stop funding at Higher Education Funding Council for England level for students undertaking study for equivalent or lower level qualifications at the Open University; what impact assessment he has made of the decisions with particular reference to students from lower income backgrounds and part-time students; and what other funding sources are available to those people.

Bill Rammell: The Department took this decision which applies to every provider in order to target resources on our top priorities and the country's long-term needs. It will enable an additional 20,000 students without a first qualification whom we could not otherwise support to enjoy all the benefits of participating in higher education. Many of this group are likely to be part-time students from lower income backgrounds. The overall effect of these changes on the income of individual institutions will depend on how successful they are in attracting students who meet our priorities. No students currently studying for equivalent and lower level qualifications will be affected, no institution will lose grant in cash terms and future students studying for such qualifications will be able to look at what is on offer at over 250 providers. But they cannot be more deserving of public funding than those who have not obtained a first qualification. The Higher Education Funding Council are currently consulting the university sector on the detailed implementation of this policy.

Students: Grants

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what assistance is afforded by his Department to UK-based students who wish to travel abroad for short periods to support their studies or career development potential or for volunteering and cannot afford the cost.

Bill Rammell: Eligible students studying a course of higher education, who are attending an overseas institution as part of their UK course receive a maximum overseas rate of loan for living costs of £5,375 and receive travel grants to meet the cost of travel within and outside the UK for the purpose of attending the overseas institution. Those who attend their UK institution for less than 10 weeks of the academic year will have their tuition fee reduced by 50 per cent.
	Career development loans are also available to individuals who want to undertake learning at institutions outside the UK, as long as they intend to take up employment in the UK, the EU, or the EEA when they complete their course. No specific support is available for volunteering abroad.

Students: Minorities

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what percentage of first year undergraduate students, excluding those from other European Union member states and overseas, were from black and ethnic minority backgrounds in the  (a) 2007-08 academic year and  (b) in each of the last five such years, in (i) England and (ii) each university in the North East.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 26 November 2007
	The latest available information is shown in the following table. Figures for 2006-07 will be available in January 2008.
	
		
			  UK domiciled undergraduate entrants by ethnic background to English( 1)  and north-east higher education institutions, academic years 2001-02 to 2005-06 
			   Ethnic background 
			  English higher education institutions  White( 2)  Black and ethnic minority( 3)  Total known  Not known( 4)  Total  Percentage of known black and ethnic minority 
			 2001-02 358,525 76,740 435,270 51,605 486,870 17.6 
			 2002-03 367,015 82,750 449,765 51,560 501,325 18.4 
			 2003-04 368,545 84,420 452,965 47,305 500,270 18.6 
			 2004-05 374,305 90,535 464,840 36,235 501,080 19.5 
			 2005-06 385,890 94,845 480,735 39,500 520,240 19.7 
			  Of which:   
			  Durham University 
			 2001-02 3,085 185 3,270 95 3,365 5.6 
			 2002-03 3,390 215 3,605 50 3,655 5.9 
			 2003-04 3,520 220 3,735 65 3,805 5.8 
			 2004-05 3,310 255 3,565 55 3,620 7.1 
			 2005-06 3,350 230 3,575 70 3,645 6.4 
			  University of Newcastle Upon Tyne 
			 2001-02 4,780 240 5,020 115 5,140 4.8 
			 2002-03 3,230 185 3,420 735 4,155 5.5 
			 2003-04 3,460 175 3,640 135 3,775 4.9 
			 2004-05 3,655 205 3,860 95 3,955 5.3 
			 2005-06 3,870 260 4,125 90 4,220 6.3 
			  University of Northumbria at Newcastle 
			 2001-02 6,855 305 7,165 880 8,045 4.3 
			 2002-03 7,365 385 7,750 845 8,595 5.0 
			 2003-04 6,435 370 6,800 830 7,630 5.4 
			 2004-05 6,470 450 6,920 485 7,405 6.5 
			 2005-06 8,105 460 8,570 130 8,700 5.4 
			  University of Sunderland 
			 2001-02 3,885 255 4,140 135 4,275 6.1 
			 2002-03 4,085 275 4,355 2,605 6,960 6.3 
			 2003-04 4,765 365 5,130 3,050 8,180 7.1 
			 2004-05 6,910 415 7,325 1,215 8,540 5.7 
			 2005-06 6,975 450 7,425 1,645 9,070 6.0 
			  University of Teesside 
			 2001-02 7,335 550 7,885 1,340 9,225 7.0 
			 2002-03 7,545 450 7,995 1,695 9,690 5.6 
			 2003-04 8,030 485 8,515 935 9,450 5.7 
			 2004-05 8,105 620 8,725 1,055 9,780 7.1 
			 2005-06 8,315 655 8,970 1,145 10,115 7.3 
			 (1) Excludes the Open University. (2) Includes White, White-British, White-Irish, White-Scottish, Irish Traveller and other white background. (3) Includes Black or Black British-Caribbean, Black or Black British-African, other black background, Asian or Asian British-Indian, Asian or Asian British-Pakistani, Asian or Asian British-Bangladeshi, Chinese, other Asian background, Mixed-White and Black Caribbean, Mixed-White and Black African, Mixed-White and Asian, other mixed background, other ethnic background. (4) Includes not known, information refused and missing. Note: Figures are on a HESA Standard Registration Population basis and have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Students: Postgraduate Education

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many and what proportion of postgraduate students at UK universities were from  (a) the UK,  (b) the EU and  (c) outside the EU in each of the last five years.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 22 November 2007
	The latest available information is shown in the following table. Figures for 2006-07 will be available in January 2008.
	
		
			  Postgraduate( 1)  students in UK higher education institutions, by home domicile, 2001-02 to 2005-06 
			  Home domicile:  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			  Number  
			 UK 346,425 357,335 367,275 366,835 373,785 
			 EU 38,635 40,880 41,385 45,810 47,035 
			 Non EU 81,790 99,285 115,165 119,935 124,545 
			 Total 469,850 497,500 523,825 532,630 545,370 
			   
			  Percentage  
			 UK 74.4 71.8 70.1 68.9 68.5 
			 EU 8.2 8.2 7.9 8.6 8.6 
			 Non EU 17.4 20.0 22.0 22.5 22.8 
			 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
			 (1) Covers students on both taught and research courses.  Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Numbers are on a HESA Standard Registration population basis, and have been rounded to the nearest 5. Percentages may not sum to totals because of rounding.

Students: Standards

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what involvement his Department has with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Programme of International Student Assessment; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) funds England's participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
	The study is carried out in England by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), under contract to DCSF.
	The latest round of PISA testing took place in schools in England in November and December 2006. OECD will publish its international report on the findings on 4 December 2007 and NFER and DCSF will also jointly publish a national report for England on the same day.

Vocational Education: Loans

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the  (a) resource cost and  (b) cash cost of career development loans is expected to be in each year from 2008-09 to 2010-11.

Bill Rammell: Career development loans are administered by the Learning and Skills Council through three high street banks. Banks provide the loan capital to individuals on a commercial basis. Government expenditure meets the interest on the loan during the time the individual is on their course and the administration costs for the participating banks.
	The following table shows the planned public expenditure for career development loans across the next spending review period
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2008-09  2009-10  2010-11 
			 Cash terms 23.7 23.7 23.7 
			 Real terms (2007-08 prices) 23.1 22.5 21.9

Vocational Training: Gloucestershire

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many Train to Gain places have been made available in each district area in Gloucestershire.

David Lammy: Train to Gain is a major aspect of the drive to create a demand-led service and does not generate places in the traditional sense. Through Train to Gain, employers can access the advice and support they need to help them identify and then meet the skills their businesses need to succeed. In the first year of its operation, there were a total of 883 learners funded through Train to Gain in the Gloucestershire county council district areas. The breakdown was as follows: Cheltenham 137, Cotswold 155, Forest of Dean 68, Gloucester City 207, Stroud 226 and Tewkesbury 90.

OLYMPICS

Olympic Games: China

Don Foster: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what steps she took on her recent visit to Beijing to encourage the Chinese authorities to ensure freedom of movement and expression in China for both domestic and international press  (a) in the run-up to the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and  (b) afterwards; and how many meetings she has had with Chinese officials at which media freedom was discussed.

Tessa Jowell: During a meeting with the President of BOCOG and Party Secretary of Beijing, I urged the Chinese Government to make permanent the new regulations for foreign correspondents that were implemented in January 2007. These regulations temporarily lift restrictions on travel and the requirement to seek official permission for interviews, up to and including the 2008 Olympic Games. While these regulations are welcome, we continue to urge the Chinese to lift all media restrictions, both before and after the Games, including on domestic media.
	I made similar representations during my previous visit to Beijing in September 2006, and in a meeting with the Chinese Information Minister in London in April 2007.
	As part of my most recent visit to Beijing, I also met a group of British and international correspondents to hear their views on how the new regulations are operating.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what she plans the next steps of the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy to be; and what stage each one has reached.

Vernon Coaker: In June of this year, the Home Office, Department of Health and Department for Children, Schools and Families jointly launched 'Safe. Sensible. Social'—The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy which builds on lessons learned and progress made since the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England published in March 2004. The renewed strategy outlines the Government's long-term commitment to tackling alcohol-related harms. New measures outlined in this Strategy include:
	support for local areas to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder,
	earlier identification interventions and treatment for drinking that could cause harm,
	continuing to tackle underage sales of alcohol,
	greater effort to tackle alcohol —related offending,
	a review of the relationship between price, promotion and harm,
	a review on the effectiveness of the alcohol industry's social responsibility standards document in contributing to a reduction in alcohol harm,
	promoting a sensible drinking culture through sustained national campaigning to challenge the tolerance of drunkenness and drinking that causes harm, and
	preventing harms to those under 18 years of age.
	We will shortly publish a local strategy toolkit and guidance on the use of tools and powers to help local areas tackle alcohol related harms. We have recently carried out a Tackling Under Age Sales of Alcohol campaign which saw overall failure rates falling to 14 per cent. and will shortly undertake a Responsible Alcohol Sales Campaign. We recently undertook a Confiscation of Alcohol Campaign to support the commencement of new powers (section 27 Directions to leave) available through the Violent Crime Reduction Act to disperse persons who are likely to cause or contribute to alcohol related crime or disorder, and support the use of existing powers in relation to the confiscation of alcohol (Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997). We launched Alcohol Arrest Referral Pilot pilots in Cheshire, Ealing, Manchester and Liverpool in October that aim to reduce re-offending by individuals who have been arrested for alcohol-related offending.
	We have also gone out to tender for the independent review on the effectiveness of the alcohol industry's social responsibility standards document in contributing to a reduction in alcohol harm, we expect the review's findings to be published in April 2008. In addition, the Department of Health are taking forward the independent review the relationship between alcohol price, promotion and harm, we expect the review's findings to be published in the summer of 2008.
	We are currently drawing up plans for a wide ranging communications campaign to promote a sensible drinking culture by challenging the tolerance of drunkenness, raising the public's knowledge of units of alcohol and ensuring that everyone has the information they need to estimate how much they really do drink, and developing a range of new kinds of information and advice aimed at people who drink at harmful levels, and their families and friends.
	We believe that through a combination of continued tough enforcement of the law and the promotion of a sensible drinking culture, we can continue to see significant reductions in alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Animal Experiments

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons her Department has decided to end the work of the Research and Alternatives Sub-committee of the Animal Procedures Committee.

Meg Hillier: The Animal Procedures Committee is an independent non-departmental public body and as such the Home Office plays no role in decisions about the work of its sub-committees. However the Committee has now wound down its Research and Alternatives Sub-Committee following the transfer of the Home Office budget for research into alternatives to the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs). The decision to transfer the budget was announced on 21 May 2004,  Official Report, column 69WS and implemented a recommendation of the House of Lords Select Committee on Animals in Scientific Procedures which reported in July 2002.

Animal Experiments

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will make a statement on the use of carbon dioxide to destroy animals regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Meg Hillier: Schedule 1 to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 lists exposure to carbon dioxide gas in a rising concentration as a method of humane killing of rodents, rabbits and birds up to 1.5kg provided the process of killing is completed by one of the methods listed in the schedule.
	The Animal Procedures Committee completed a review of Schedule 1 of the 1986 Act and published its report and recommendations in December 2006. The scientific evidence relating to this killing method continues to evolve and following on from their report the Committee has agreed to monitor and consider new research into the use of carbon dioxide for the purpose of killing with a view to making further recommendations on whether the current use of carbon dioxide for killing specified laboratory animals should remain a Schedule 1 method. On receipt of their findings we will consider what, if any, action to take.
	The full Animal Procedures Committee report on Schedule 1 and the Home Office response is published in the Report of the Animal Procedures Committee for 2006 [HC41].

Animal Experiments

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason the Animal Procedures Committee has been asked to consider the criteria for the discharge of genetically altered animals from the controls of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

Meg Hillier: The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 makes provision for the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes and subjected to regulated procedures which may cause pain, suffering distress or lasting harm. As genetically modified animals are assumed to be potentially more prone to pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm as a result of the genetic alteration than the background strain from which they are derived their production, breeding and use is regulated under the 1986 Act.
	It has, however, always been accepted that there will be some lines of genetically modified animals that are not predisposed to these harms, and administrative provision has been made for the discharge of such animals (at least for breeding purposes) from the controls of the Act. However, in practice, no such lines have, so far, been discharged from the controls of the Act.
	In view of this, and as the current discharge criteria were formulated some years ago, the Animal Procedures Committee has been asked to advise on whether the discharge criteria should be revised in the light of the current state of knowledge regarding refined methods of welfare assessments and phenotyping of genetically altered animals. Should they so advise, the aim would be to remove any unnecessary obstacles currently preventing strains being discharged from the controls of the 1986 Act without weakening the provisions for the welfare of protected animals.

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what infringements there have been of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Meg Hillier: The number of infringements since 1997 is detailed in the following table. This information is collected annually and since 1999 is contained in the annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain, copies of which can be found in the House of Commons Library. Infringement reporting changed in 2000 when three new classifications were introduced.
	Class 1 infringements involve minor breaches of licence or certificate conditions which are not potential criminal offences, have no aggravating circumstances and no disputed facts;
	Class 2 infringements may include potential criminal offences but are cases where it would be clear from the circumstances that prosecution, variation of licence/certificate conditions or revocation action would not be appropriate;
	Class 3 infringements are the more serious cases, where training/retraining, variation, suspension or revocation of licences/certificates or referral to the police for possible prosecution are considered.
	
		
			   Class 1  Class 2  Class 3  Unclassified  Total 
			 2007 to date 6 10 12 — (1)28 
			 2006 6 6 20 — (2)32 
			 2005 0 16 10 — (2)26 
			 2004 3 12 13 — (2)28 
			 2003 1 22 17 — (2)40 
			 2002 5 14 9 — (2)28 
			 2001 11 8 18 — (2)37 
			 2000 — — — 39 (2)39 
			 1999 — — — 28 (2)28 
			 1998 — — — 17 (3)17 
			 1997 — — — 23 (4)23 
			  Sources: (1) Home Office Records (2) Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals GB (3) Animal Procedures Committee Annual Report 1998 (4) Animal Procedures Committee Annual Report 1997

Arrests: Cambridgeshire

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made per full-time police officer in the Cambridgeshire Constabulary in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The requested information on arrests rates is not available from the information collected centrally, as the information on arrests collected by the Ministry of Justice is limited to just those arrests made for notifiable offences (that is offences covered by police recorded crime).

Asylum: Iraq and Afghanistan

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) Iraqi and  (b) Afghan nationals were granted asylum in (i) the last 12 months for which figures are available and (ii) each of the previous six years.

Liam Byrne: Information on initial decisions and appeals for nationals of Iraq and Afghanistan for October 2006 to September 2007 and each of the previous last six years are shown in the following tables. This is the latest data for which information has been published.
	Appeal determinations do not necessarily relate to initial decisions made in the same period.
	Information on asylum applications, initial decisions and appeals by nationality are published quarterly and annually. Copies of these publications are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html
	
		
			  Initial decisions on applications( 1, 2 ) received in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, 2001 to September 2007,  nationals of Iraq and Afghanistan 
			   Total decisions  Grants of asylum  Grants of ELR( 3)  Grants of HP( 3)  Grants of DL( 3)  Total refusals 
			  Iraq   
			 2001 9,035 830 1,885 n/a n/a 6,315 
			 2002 11,905 715 8,195 n/a n/a 2,995 
			 2003 6,805 70 2,105 * 45 4,580 
			 2004 4,815 10 n/a — 185 4,615 
			 2005 1,835 5 n/a 10 150 1,675 
			 2006(4) 740 30 n/a — 60 650 
			 October 2006 to September 2007(4) 1,300 120 n/a 15 90 1,075 
			
			  Afghanistan   
			 2001 12,365 2,320 7,500 n/a n/a 2,545 
			 2002 8,175 115 4,765 n/a n/a 3,300 
			 2003 3,975 40 205 * 350 3,375 
			 2004 2,680 35 n/a 10 410 2,225 
			 2005 1,550 30 n/a 20 445 1,050 
			 2006(4) 2,115 40 n/a * 760 1,310 
			 October 2006 to September 2007(4) 2,495 85 n/a 5 855 1,545 
			 n/a = Not applicable. (1) Figures rounded to nearest 5 (— = 0, * = 1 or 2). (2) Information is for initial decisions, excluding the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions. (3) Humanitarian protection and discretionary leave replaced exceptional leave to remain from 1 April 2003. (4) Provisional figures. 
		
	
	
		
			  Asylum appeals determined by the Immigration Appellate Authority/Asylum and Immigration Tribunal( 1, 2) , excluding dependants, 2001 to September 2007, nationals of Iraq and Afghanistan 
			  Principal appellants 
			   Appeals determined( 3) 
			Allowed( 3)  Dismissed( 3)  Withdrawn( 3, 4) 
			   Total determined( 3)  Total  As percentage of determined  Total  As percentage of determined  Total  As percentage of determined 
			  Iraq
			 2001 1,655 445 27 1,065 64 145 9 
			 2002 4,570 1,130 25 2,970 65 470 10 
			 2003 5,400 490 9 4,435 82 475 9 
			 2004 6,645 275 4 6,210 93 160 2 
			 2005 2,890 160 6 2,660 92 70 2 
			 2006(5) 760 105 14 610 81 40 5 
			 October 2006 to September 2007(5) 1,130 235 21 830 73 65 6 
			 
			  Afghanistan
			 2001 595 110 18 260 44 225 38 
			 2002 2,040 230 11 1,235 60 580 28 
			 2003 5,555 695 13 4,415 80 440 8 
			 2004 3,075 325 11 2,590 84 160 5 
			 2005 1,825 205 11 1,560 85 65 3 
			 2006(5) 1,255 135 11 1,055 84 60 5 
			 October 2006 to September 2007(5) 1,390 190 14 1,120 81 80 6 
			 (1) Figures rounded to nearest 5, except percentages (— = 0, * = 1 or 2). Figures may not sum to the totals shown because of independent rounding. (2) The AIT was formed on 4 April 2005 and replaced the IAA. Data for 2005 exclude IAA cases for 1 April 2005. All determinations are cases dealt with by adjudicator/immigration judges. Determinations do not necessarily relate to appeals received within the same period. (3) Before 2005: based on data supplied from the presenting officers unit within the Home Office. 2005 and 2006: data derived from Border and Immigration Agency electronic sources. Data for 2007 derived from AIT electronic sources. (4) Figures include cases withdrawn by the Home Office, as well as those withdrawn by the appellant. (5) Provisional figures.

Closed Circuit Television

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the answer of 20 June 2007,  Official Report, column 1950W, on closed circuit television (CCTV), what the reasons are for the further delay in publishing the report on the future CCTV strategy; and when it will be published.

Jacqui Smith: The National CCTV Strategy was published on 19 October 2007 and is available for download from:
	http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/cctv/cctv048.pdf

Community Policing: Greater London

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) police constables and  (b) sergeants have been dedicated to neighbourhood policing work in (i) London and (ii) each London borough in each year since 2001.

Tony McNulty: The Home Office's collection of police personnel data by function does not separately identify those dedicated to neighbourhood policing work.

Community Support Officers: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police community support officers there were in London on 1 October  (a) 2004,  (b) 2005,  (c) 2006 and  (d) 2007.

Tony McNulty: Police service strength is collected by financial year, with provisional data given midway through the year (30 September) and finalised data given as at the last day of the year (31 March).
	Data for 31 March are given in the table.
	
		
			  Police community support officer strength( 1)  in London( 2)  as at 31 March 2004 to 2007 
			  As at 31 March:  London PCSOs 
			 2004 1,463 
			 2005 2,161 
			 2006 2,326 
			 2007 3,730 
			 (1) Full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Because of rounding, there may be an apparent discrepancy between the totals and the sums of constituent items. (2) Metropolitan and City of London forces.

Convictions: Human Trafficking

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals have been convicted for trafficking people into the UK in each of the last five years.

Jacqui Smith: The Sexual Offences Act 2003 came into force in 2004. Since then convictions are as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2004 3 
			 2005 21 
			 2006 27 
			 2007 16 
		
	
	There have been no convictions to date for trafficking for exploitation under the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004.

Crime

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers per notifiable offence in England there were in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The data requested are given in the following table.
	
		
			  Police officers (FTE)( 1 ) per 100 notifiable offences( 2)  in England ,   1997 to 2006-07 
			   Police officers  per 100 notifiable offences 
			 1997 2.7 
			   
			 1998-99 2.4 
			 1999-2000 2.3 
			 2000-01 2.4 
			 2001-02 2.3 
			   
			 2002-03 2.2 
			 2003-04 2.3 
			 2004-05 2.5 
			 2005-06 2.5 
			 2006-07 2.6 
			 (1) Police officer strength figures are based on full-time equivalent figures, excluding those officers on career breaks and maternity/paternity leave. (2) The data for 2002-03 onwards take account of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002. These figures are therefore not directly comparable with those for earlier years, similarly, data from 1998-99 onwards incorporate changes in police recording practices following revisions to Home Office rules on counting and classification of crime in April 1998; they are also not directly comparable with previous years.

Departmental Foreign Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and  (b) non EU foreign nationals are employed by her Department.

Liam Byrne: Information on the number of EU foreign nationals employed within Home Office headquarters is not recorded centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. There are currently no non-EU foreign nationals employed within Home Office HQ.
	The Identity and Passport Service currently employs 13 EU foreign nationals and 10 non-EU foreign nationals; all 10 are Commonwealth citizens.
	The Criminal Records Bureau does not currently employ any EU or non-EU foreign nationals.
	The Border and immigration Agency does not record centrally the nationality of employees upon appointment and information could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. All candidates for posts within Home Office HQ and its agencies are subject to the same pre-appointment checks regardless of nationality. Our pre-appointment checks ensure that we only select those that pass eligibility in accordance with the Cabinet Office nationality requirements:
	www.civilservice.gov.uk/careers/nationality_rules/index.asp
	The need for an individual to undergo national security vetting, and the level of vetting that is appropriate, will depend on the particular post they are going to fill. Where necessary, this will include a check of time spent overseas.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisors

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the office costs for her Department's special advisers for 2007-08 are expected to be, including costs of support staff; and how many full-time equivalent civil servants work in support of such special advisers.

Liam Byrne: Three civil servants provide support directly to the special advisers in the Home Secretary's office. They provide administrative support of a non-political nature in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.
	Information on the cost of such staff can not be provided as the numbers involved will be so few that to reveal the cost could identify an individual's salary, which is confidential between the individual and the employer. Office costs will be accounted for in the 2007-08 departmental annual reports and accounts.

Detection Rates

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the crime detection rate was in  (a) each police force area and  (b) England and Wales in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is given in the following table.
	
		
			  Detection rates for all recorded crimes, by police force area in England and Wales from 1997 to 2006-07 
			  Percentage 
			  Police force area  1997  1997-98( 1)  1998-99( 2)  1999-2000( 3)  2000-01( 3)  2001-02  2002-03( 4,5)  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Avon and Somerset 26 261 24 22 22 14 15 15 17 23 24 
			 Bedfordshire 35 35 33 25 27 25 26 23 28 25 22 
			 British Transport Police — — — — — — 15 16 17 20 24 
			 Cambridgeshire 27 28 29 25 24 22 22 23 23 27 25 
			 Cheshire 36 34 37 31 30 26 26 27 26 27 27 
			 Cleveland 25 23 23 22 21 20 23 21 24 30 31 
			 Cumbria 40 41 44 39 34 32 31 32 30 35 36 
			 Derbyshire 25 26 31 28 26 25 26 25 28 27 26 
			 Devon and Cornwall 32 34 36 35 34 32 29 29 30 28 27 
			 Dorset 29 30 31 26 25 27 25 26 28 30 30 
			 Durham 31 30 33 32 34 33 34 29 29 27 30 
			 Dyfed-Powys 61 62 69 65 63 64 68 47 43 45 45 
			 Essex 27 28 29 30 26 26 27 28 27 31 33 
			 Gloucestershire 24 26 31 31 31 30 29 28 27 32 33 
			 Greater Manchester 20 20 25 23 22 21 22 22 23 25 25 
			 Gwent 51 51 55 53 57 55 48 45 42 36 33 
			 Hampshire 30 30 35 32 29 29 30 27 28 24 23 
			 Hertfordshire 32 33 34 27 24 24 23 25 29 26 29 
			 Humberside 20 21 22 19 21 20 20 19 20 23 25 
			 Kent 31 31 34 33 28 28 28 25 23 26 26 
			 Lancashire 29 29 34 29 27 26 27 27 30 32 35 
			 Leicestershire 34 34 34 30 28 28 27 22 25 30 28 
			 Lincolnshire 48 46 40 28 25 27 23 22 25 26 28 
			 London, City of 26 28 33 32 27 34 36 33 36 43 39 
			 Merseyside 31 31 31 26 28 24 25 27 30 28 29 
			 Metropolitan Police 26 25 22 16 15 14 14 15 21 24 21 
			 Norfolk 37 36 37 30 26 25 24 26 28 31 30 
			 Northamptonshire 35 35 33 33 33 31 28 28 29 25 26 
			 Northumbria 26 26 30 31 31 31 31 30 29 35 40 
			 North Wales 34 36 43 36 31 28 29 33 42 43 48 
			 North Yorkshire 26 26 33 31 30 26 26 28 35 35 33 
			 Nottinghamshire 28 26 25 21 20 18 16 18 20 22 23 
			 South Wales 36 36 39 31 32 33 29 29 29 26 25 
			 South Yorkshire 29 32 32 25 25 23 21 24 26 27 26 
			 Staffordshire 35 34 32 22 23 24 31 33 35 35 35 
			 Suffolk 37 39 41 36 35 33 34 33 32 30 31 
			 Surrey 33 35 40 32 28 25 22 22 26 25 30 
			 Sussex 26 26 25 25 23 25 24 24 25 30 31 
			 Thames Valley 24 25 25 20 22 24 25 23 26 28 25 
			 Warwickshire 27 29 26 22 22 25 26 25 27 25 27 
			 West Mercia 28 27 34 29 27 28 33 31 34 34 34 
			 West Midlands 24 25 30 27 28 29 26 25 23 26 27 
			 West Yorkshire 27 27 27 25 23 19 20 20 25 28 29 
			 Wiltshire 32 32 38 33 30 30 28 28 29 32 26 
			 England and Wales total 28 28 29 25 24 23 23 23 26 27 27 
			 (1) The number of crimes recorded in that financial year using the coverage and rules in use until 31 March 1998. (2) The number of crimes recorded in that financial year using the expanded offence coverage and revised counting rules which came into effect on 1 April 1998. (3) Revised detections guidance was implemented on 1 April 1999. (4) The National crime Recording standard was Introduced in April 2002. Figures before and after that date are not directly comparable. (5) Includes the British Transport Police from 2002-03 onwards.  Note: The overall detection rate remained broadly stable between 2001-02 and 2003-04. It then rose to reach 27 per cent. in 2005-06 and 2006-07. However, the overall detection rate has been affected by forces limiting the usage of non-sanction detections i.e. where a crime is detected but no further action is taken for a variety of reasons.

Entry Clearances

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 948W, on entry clearances, what methodology will be used to identify the location of applicants for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: As explained in my response to the previous question on this matter, the Border and Immigration Agency is currently assessing what changes may be required to its data collection in order to make more tailored information available to its partners, including local authorities.
	Integral to this phase is defining what methodology the agency will use to collect the relevant data. Analysis on this matter has only just commenced and further work is required before a defined approach can be established.

Entry Clearances

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many grants of the right to remain in the UK were issued to applicants who entered the UK as work permit holders in each year since 2000.

Liam Byrne: Statistics are not available in the format requested.
	The available information on grants of leave and indefinite leave to remain can be found in the yearly Command Paper "Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom". This publication may be obtained from the Library of the House and from the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

Entry Clearances

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what legislation she may  (a) deny entry to the UK to and  (b) deport from the UK people whose presence is not conducive to the public good; on what occasions each power has been used in each year since 1990; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Secretary of State may exercise a non-statutory personal power to deny a foreign national entry to the UK if she considers from all the evidence available that an individual's presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good and that such a decision is justified in her opinion.
	The principal power to deport a person on the ground that their deportation would be conducive to the public good is contained in section 3(5) of the Immigration Act 1971 (as amended). There is a corresponding power in regulation 19 of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 in respect of EEA nationals and the family members of EEA nationals.
	Comprehensive figures on the use of these powers since 1990 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Extradition: USA

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations she has received on amending the terms of the extradition treaty between the US and UK; what assessment she has made of those representations; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Since 28 June the Home Office has handled 14 pieces of correspondence from hon. Members and members of the public on the subject of UK/US extradition arrangements. The hon. Gentleman himself also raised the issue with me in a recent meeting.
	The representations supported inaccurate claims in the press that I was about to introduce an additional statutory bar to extradition called "forum" which could prevent extradition where a case could be tried in the UK.
	The Government keep extradition legislation under review, but have no plans to introduce this additional bar, which would apply to all countries with which the UK has extradition relations, including the US. I am satisfied that the Extradition Act 2003 already contains full and effective safeguards for the rights of requested persons. Introducing a ground for refusal of extradition based on forum is not only unnecessary, but would make the Act operate in a manner that is inconsistent with all of the UK's bilateral extradition treaties—including the bilateral treaty between the UK and the US. It would also give rise to real practical difficulties for prosecutors and would risk allowing criminals to evade justice.
	Home Office Ministers have consistently made it clear in Parliament and to the press that the new extradition treaty with the United States is not one-sided, and we are satisfied that the provisions ensure that extradition is dealt with under procedures that are as broadly comparable as it is possible to achieve between two different jurisdictions.
	The UK/US extradition treaty means that both the UK and the US are under an international obligation to assist with extradition requests to the extent compatible with the law. The key issue is to ensure that offences are dealt with in the place where they can be most effectively prosecuted. Where the main witnesses and the main evidence are in another state, then it makes sense for the defendants to be extradited to face justice there.
	Taking all these matters into account, I am satisfied that the right balance has been struck between the need to safeguard the rights of defendants against the need to uphold the rule of law.

Firearms: Children

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to prevent children coming into possession of replica firearms, air rifles and BB guns.

Vernon Coaker: The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 made it an offence for a person under the age of 18 to buy an imitation firearm (including a BB gun), and to sell an imitation firearm to a person aged under 18. The Act also increased the minimum age at which a young person may purchase or hire an air weapon, or possess an air weapon without adult supervision, to 18; it made it an offence to sell, hire or make a gift of an air weapon to a person under 18; and it required that all commercial sales of air weapons must be through registered firearms dealers.
	This package of measures is designed to prevent children and young people gaining possession of such items.
	The Act also outlawed the sale, manufacture or importation of realistic imitation firearms, applicable to people of any age.

Fraud: Internet

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to help prevent internet fraud; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: The Government take all fraud seriously and believes that internet fraud is best prevented by raising the public's awareness of how they can be attacked online and advises them of how they can avoid their details and money being stolen.
	To that end the Government support GetSafeOnline which is a joint Government and industry initiative which provides clear, accessible and up-to-date advice on the easy ways in which the public and small businesses can protect themselves and their PCs while using the internet.

Frontiers: Security

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the cost of  (a) establishing and  (b) running an e-borders system (i) excluding and (ii) including Northern Ireland.

Liam Byrne: The costs to Government of establishing the e-Borders programme is £490 million, with further running costs of £596 million over the 10-year life of the current contract.
	It is not possible to disaggregate the specific costs requested.

Frontiers: Security

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when an e-borders system in Great Britain was first proposed.

Liam Byrne: The vision of e-Borders, in the context of developing a new concept of screening passengers before they travel to the UK, was first proposed in the White Paper 'Secure Borders, Safe Haven' (CM 5387) published in February 2002.

Genetics: Databases

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of replicated profiles on the National DNA Database; and how many of these are  (a) multiple profiles of the same individual under (i) different and (ii) the same names,  (b) identical twins or triplets and  (c) adventitious matches between different individuals.

Meg Hillier: It is estimated that at 31 October 2007 there were approximately 646,890 replicate profiles from individuals on the National DNA Database. If a crime scene profile matches replicate profiles from individuals, a match report showing all the apparent individuals matched will be sent to the force. Thus the presence of these replicate profiles does not impact on the effectiveness and integrity of the database. Nonetheless, a long term exercise is under way to identify issues associated with the removal of such redundant replicate profiles.
	Of the 646,890 replicates, 107,966 are due to upgrading samples from the SGM to the SGM Plus method of analysing DNA. When the NDNAD was set up in 1995, the SM profiling system was used which looked at six areas of DNA plus the area sowing the person's sex. In 1999 SGM was replaced by SGM Plus which looks at 10 areas of DNA plus the sex area. SGM has a one in 50 million chance of being incorrect, and SGM Plus has a better than one in 1,000 million chance of being incorrect, when applied to the general population, though they are less discriminating between individuals who are related, or if matched against partial profiles from crime scenes i.e. where the DNA found at the crime scene is too degraded to look at all the relevant areas of DNA. It was decided when SGM Plus was introduced that it was too costly to reanalyse all the samples taken between 1995 and 1999 to upgrade them from SGM to SGM Plus. However, if a match occurs involving an SGM profile, or a partial crime scene profile, the original samples are routinely reanalysed using SGM Plus to provide the best possible match. This may lead to the existence of both an SGM and an SGM Plus profile for the same person.
	The information requested on the number of multiple profiles of the same individuals under different and the same names is not available. However, since July 2004 the NDNAD Custodian's Data Quality and Integrity Team has been carrying out a programme to analyse replicate profiles of the SGM Plus type that are shown on two or more Police National Computer records. This work is in support of police operations and is not an exhaustive review of all replicates. It has revealed 3,752 pairs of false/dual identities on PNC where the owning force has now merged the PNC records, and 3,327 pairs of identical twins and five sets of identical triplets on the NDNAD. A marker is entered on the Police National Computer to alert officers to the existence of these twins or triplets.
	To date no adventitious matches between unrelated individuals have been discovered where the SGM Plus profiling system has been used.

Hoaxes and False Alarms: Metropolitan Police

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of 999 calls received by the Metropolitan Police were hoaxes in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: This information is not held centrally. This is a matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

Human Trafficking

Doug Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect of the introduction of the EU anti-trafficking hotline on the level of human trafficking.

Vernon Coaker: We foresee some difficulties with a proposed EU anti-trafficking hotline, including issues relating to the management and dissemination of information received and language difficulties. The value of a hotline over and above national arrangements and existing structures would have to be demonstrated.

Ibrahim Moussawi

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will deny entry to the UK to Ibrahim Moussawi; what recent representations she has received about this person; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Border and Immigration Agency is unable to comment on individual cases.

Identity Cards

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent estimate she has made of the likely cost of an identity card and passport package in 2007-08 prices.

Meg Hillier: It is expected that the full cost of Identity Services provided by the National Identity Scheme will be recovered through charges to individuals and to private and public user organisations. A detailed charging strategy is still to be fully developed, although it is intended that running costs of the scheme will be recovered from fees just as they are now for passports.
	The previous best estimate for the average unit cost of the combined passport and ID card package was £93, based on 2005 prices. A figure at 2007-08 prices would be subject to increase, in line with the rate of inflation. Decisions on the actual fee structure will be made before the first identity cards are issued and so it is not possible to give a precise figure for the cost of an identity card and passport package at present.

Illegal Immigrants: Employment

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the annual budget is for investigations into employers who give jobs to illegal immigrants.

Liam Byrne: The cost of investigations into employers who give jobs to illegal immigrants is not disaggregated from the overall costs of the Border and Immigration Agency and therefore not readily available. Any attempt to calculate the cost of investigations into employers who give jobs to illegal immigrants would need to take into account a large number of factors and this could be done only at disproportionate cost. However the total public spending for the Border and Immigration Agency is set out in the published Home Office Report, a copy of which is available in the House Library and on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ho-annual-report-07.

Injuries

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) injuries and  (b) deaths there were per 1,000 of the population from (i) traffic accidents, (ii) assaults and (iii) other violent crimes in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: The recorded crime figures do not specify if any injuries or deaths are due to traffic accidents.
	The available recorded crime data is given in the following table. Figures for wounding and homicide per 1,000 population have been provided. However, the figures given in the table are not directly comparable due to an expansion in the offence coverage in 1998-99 and the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in 2002-03, both of which increased the amount of recorded crime significantly. These changes will have affected the calculations derived from the base figures.
	
		
			  Number of offences per 1,000 population which resulted in wounding( 1)  and homicide 
			   Wounding offences per 1,000 population  Homicides  per 1,000 population 
			 1997(2) 4.6 0.014 
			 1997-98(3) 4.7 0.014 
			 1998-99(4) 4.0 0.014 
			 1999-2000 4.2 0.015 
			 2000-01 4.1 0.016 
			 2001-02 4.3 0.017 
			 2002-03(5, 6) 7.1 0.020 
			 2003-04 8.7 0.017 
			 2004-05 9.7 0.016 
			 2005-06 10.2 0.014 
			 2006-07 9.5 0.014 
			 (1) Recorded offences of more serious wounding or other act endangering life and less serious wounding (including racially or religiously aggravated). (2) Recorded crime statistics were collected on a calendar year basis up to 1998 and on a financial year basis thereafter. (3) The number of crimes recorded in that financial year using the coverage and rules in use until 31 March 1998. (4) The number of offences recorded in that financial year using the expanded offence coverage and revised counting rules which came into effect on 1 April 1998. (5) The National Crime Recording Standard was introduced in April 2002. Figures before and after that date are not directly comparable. (6) Includes the British Transport police from 2002-03 onwards.

Litter: West Midlands

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers police have to take action against those caught  (a) dropping litter and  (b) fly-tipping; how many (i) prosecutions were brought and (ii) penalty notices were issued under each power in each of the local authority areas in the West Midlands in each of the last five years.

Joan Ruddock: I have been asked to reply.
	Dropping litter is an offence under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, punishable by a fixed penalty fine, which can be set locally by a council within a range of £50 to £80, or prosecution (with a fine of up to £2,500 on conviction). Police community support officers, persons accredited under community accreditation schemes, parish councils and local authority authorised officers have enforcement powers, although responsibility rests primarily with the local authority.
	Data on the number of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued and cases taken to court can be found on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk
	The deposit of waste without a licence, or fly-tipping, is an offence under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. Due to the serious nature of fly-tipping, there is no FPN available. Local authorities must prosecute offenders through the courts.
	Flycapture, the national fly-tipping database, was set up in 2004 and records the number of fly-tipping incidents dealt with by the Environment Agency and local authorities. The database also records enforcement actions taken, including prosecutions.
	Data are available from April 2004 onwards and are as follows:
	
		
			   Fly-tipping prosecutions taken 
			  Local authority  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Birmingham City Council 0 0 0 
			 Borough of Telford and Wrekin 27 0 4 
			 Bridgnorth District Council 0 0 0 
			 Bromsgrove District Council 0 0 0 
			 Cannock Chase District Council 0 (1)— 0 
			 Coventry City Council 0 3 2 
			 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council 0 2 6 
			 East Staffordshire Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Herefordshire Council 0 0 1 
			 Lichfield District Council 0 0 1 
			 Malvern Hills District Council 0 0 0 
			 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council 0 0 (1)— 
			 North Shropshire District Council 0 0 0 
			 North Warwickshire Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Oswestry Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Redditch Borough Council 0 0 6 
			 Rugby Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council 0 4 13 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council 0 1 0 
			 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council 1 8 7 
			 South Shropshire District Council 0 0 0 
			 South Staffordshire District Council 0 0 0 
			 Stafford Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands District Council 0 0 0 
			 Stoke-on-Trent City Council 0 0 0 
			 Stratford-on-Avon District Council (1)— (1)— 0 
			 Tamworth Borough Council 3 0 3 
			 Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council 0 0 6 
			 Warwick District Council 0 0 0 
			 Wolverhampton City Council 4 4 30 
			 Worcester City Council 0 0 0 
			 Wychavon District Council 1 0 3 
			 Wyre Forest District Council 0 0 0 
			 (1) No data.

Passports: Proof of Identity

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she expects all the offices in the National Identity Scheme network serving first-time passport applicants to be operational by the end of 2007.

Jacqui Smith: Based on current estimates, the Identity and Passport Service is scheduled to roll out 62 of the interview office network by the end of 2007. The remaining seven are scheduled to open in early 2008.

Passports: Proof of Identity

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether electronic data on deaths and naturalisation is used to check passport applications.

Jacqui Smith: The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) currently runs automated checks for all passport applications against electronic records relating to infant deaths provided by the Office of National Statistics and the General Registry Office for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
	Passport applicants' naturalisation details are checked against electronic data from the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA). These checks commenced in December 2006. The link to BIA will be fully automated in 2008 to improve the efficiency of these checks.
	An automated service to introduce identity and death checks against electronic data from the Department for Work and Pensions will be deployed in December 2007 and will be operational from February 2008.

Police Custody: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) police cells and  (b) custody suites there are in each London borough.

Tony McNulty: The provision of police custody accommodation in London boroughs is a matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and the Metropolitan Police Authority.

Police Custody: Suffolk

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how much the Border and Immigration Agency and its predecessor paid Suffolk police authority for use of its police cells in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how much the Border and Immigration Agency pays Suffolk police authority to use a police cell for a 24 hour period.

Liam Byrne: The Border and Immigration Agency has paid Suffolk police authority the following amounts for use of police cells in each of the last four years. Data for 2002-03 the fifth year is not readily available because of change of computer system.
	
		
			   Amount (£) 
			 2002-03 n/a 
			 2003-04 430 
			 2004-05 2,032 
			 2005-06 1,117 
			 2006-07 136 
			 n/a = not available. 
		
	
	The Border and Immigration Agency pays Suffolk police authority incidental expenses at cost to use a police cell for a 24 hour period. These expenses include meal costs, interpreters and female staff as appropriate.

Police: Cars

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police cars were in use in  (a) England,  (b) London and  (c) each London borough in each year since 1997.

Tony McNulty: This information is not collected centrally as it is a matter for individual police forces.

Police: Disciplinary Proceedings

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many SO19 officers are currently suspended from duty; and what percentage of the total SO19 squad those suspensions represent for each police force.

Tony McNulty: Authorised firearms officers within the Metropolitan Police Service now serve within CO19 Specialist Firearms Command. Information is not collected centrally on the number of authorised firearms officers suspended from duty in police force areas.

Police: Road Traffic Control

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of police funding for 2007-08 has been allocated to traffic policing in each police force area in England and Wales; how many dedicated traffic police officers there were in each police force area in each year since 1997; what percentage of the number of police officers these figures represent in each case; what recent discussions she has had with the Association of Chief Police Officers on the number of dedicated traffic police officers; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Government funding for police authorities is chiefly allocated using a funding formula that provides an assessment of the relative need of each police force in England and Wales.
	Funding for traffic policing is not separately identified. Decisions on the distribution of resources are matters for the Chief Officer and the police authority.
	Such information as is available which has been provided by police forces to the Home Office is set out in the following tables. Information at force level prior to 2003 is not available.
	
		
			  Police officers FTE whose main function is Traffic( 1)  2003-07( 2) 
			  Full-time equivalents as at 31 March each year 
			   2003  2004  2005 
			   Number of police officers used for traffic policing  Police strength as at 31 March 2003  %  of overall police strength (as at 31 March 2003)  Number of police officers used for traffic policing  Police strength as at 31 March 2004  %  of overall police strength (as at 31 March 2004)  Number of police officers used for traffic policing  Police strength as at 31 March 2005  %  of overall police strength (as at 31 March 2005) 
			 Avon and Somerset 216 3,149 6.8 222 3,401 6.5 228 3,384 6.7 
			 Bedfordshire 75 1,106 6.8 80 1,181 6.8 80 1,215 6.6 
			 Cambridgeshire 85 1,384 6.1 99 1,400 7.1 101 1,402 7.2 
			 Cheshire 194 2,119 9.2 200 2,179 9.2 194 2,186 8.9 
			 Cleveland 64 1,582 4.0 73 1,687 4.3 2 1,676 0.1 
			 Cumbria 107 1,140 9.4 110 1,222 9.0 108 1,232 8.8 
			 Derbyshire 107 2,003 5.3 121 2,070 5.8 116 2,070 5.6 
			 Devon and Cornwall 192 3,202 6.0 198 3,298 6.0 211 3,369 6.3 
			 Dorset 91 1,416 6.4 86 1,433 6.0 82 1,450 5.7 
			 Durham 111 1,651 6.7 119 1,685 7.1 108 1,718 6.3 
			 Dyfed Powys 136 1,149 11.8 105 1,167 9.0 141 1,174 12.0 
			 Essex 241 2,989 8.1 242 3,098 7.8 243 3,190 7.6 
			 Gloucestershire 62 1,227 5.0 66 1,284 5.1 67 1,291 5.2 
			 Greater Manchester 406 7,343 5.5 392 8,042 4.9 359 8,041 4.5 
			 Gwent 93 1,341 6.9 95 1,372 6.9 96 1,438 6.7 
			 Hampshire 248 3,668 6.8 246 3,706 6.6 244 3,725 6.6 
			 Hertfordshire 150 1,957 7.7 151 2,086 7.2 149 2,104 7.1 
			 Humberside 123 2,105 5.8 119 2,213 5.4 225 2,230 10.1 
			 Kent 104 3,487 3.0 — 3,576 — 122 3,586 3.4 
			 Lancashire 198 3,339 5.9 187 3,550 5.3 190 3,551 5.4 
			 Leicestershire 92 2,114 4.3 95 2,277 4.2 85 2,283 3.7 
			 Lincolnshire 90 1,221 7.4 89 1,228 7.2 96 1,221 7.8 
			 London, City of 24 808 3.0 24 853 2.8 28 876 3.2 
			 Merseyside 125 4,099 3.0 119 4,122 2.9 115 4,317 2.7 
			 Metropolitan police 583 27,984 2.1 592 29,735 2.0 1,029 30,710 3.4 
			 Norfolk 120 1,499 8.0 121 1,510 8.0 107 1,544 6.9 
			 Northamptonshire 70 1,210 5.8 71 1,239 5.7 65 1,267 5.2 
			 Northumbria 245 3,943 6.2 253 4,040 6.3 165 4,048 4.1 
			 North Wales 115 1,539 7.5 114 1,603 7.1 76 1,652 4.6 
			 North Yorkshire 151 1,444 10.5 138 1,529 9.0 101 1,543 6.5 
			 Nottinghamshire 26 2,411 1.1 121 2,484 4.9 133 2,502 5.3 
			 South Wales 243 3,239 7.5 245 3,279 7.5 243 3,281 7.4 
			 South Yorkshire 180 3,183 5.7 127 3,278 3.9 134 3,265 4.1 
			 Staffordshire 50 2,202 2.3 49 2,266 2.2 58 2,280 2.5 
			 Suffolk 68 1,253 5.4 72 1,304 5.5 76 1,313 5.8 
			 Surrey 108 1,906 5.6 110 1,913 5.8 107 1,915 5.6 
			 Sussex 164 2,989 5.5 163 3,039 5.4 163 3,044 5.4 
			 Thames Valley 259 3,833 6.8 259 4,034 6.4 245 4,114 6.0 
			 Warwickshire 103 997 10.3 103 1,008 10.2 93 1,011 9.2 
			 West Mercia 292 2,256 13.0 115 2,355 4.9 117 2,367 4.9 
			 West Midlands 384 7,751 5.0 405 7,887 5.1 393 8,056 4.9 
			 West Yorkshire 320 5,029 6.4 314 5,275 6.0 317 5,631 5.6 
			 Wiltshire 91 1,158 7.8 96 1,217 7.9 93 1,222 7.6 
			 Total 6,902 131,426 5.3 6,706 137,128 4.9 7,104 139,495 5.1 
		
	
	
		
			  Full-time equivalents as at 31 March each year 
			   2006  2007 
			   Number of police officers used for traffic policing  Police strength as at  31 March 2006  % of overall police strength (as at  31 March 2006)  Number of police officers used for traffic policing  Police strength as at  31 March 2007  % of overall police strength (as at  31 March 2007) 
			 Avon and Somerset 215 3,389 6.3 148 3,375 4.4 
			 Bedfordshire 81 1,198 6.7 68 1,185 5.7 
			 Cambridgeshire 99 1,430 6.9 96 1,381 6.9 
			 Cheshire 85 2,174 3.9 91 2,192 4.2 
			 Cleveland 61 1,677 3.6 72 1,713 4.2 
			 Cumbria 111 1,230 9.0 114 1,244 9.1 
			 Derbyshire 119 2,046 5.8 110 2,023 5.4 
			 Devon and Cornwall 215 3,493 6.1 225 3,476 6.5 
			 Dorset 81 1,485 5.5 80 1,492 5.4 
			 Durham 105 1,699 6.2 100 1,683 5.9 
			 Dyfed Powys 243 1,182 20.5 136 1,177 11.6 
			 Essex 73 3,279 2.2 231 3,297 7.0 
			 Gloucestershire 342 1,289 26.5 67 1,303 5.2 
			 Greater Manchester 240 7,959 3.0 352 7,887 4.5 
			 Gwent 149 1,467 10.1 95 1,493 6.3 
			 Hampshire 181 3,707 4.9 237 3,796 6.2 
			 Hertfordshire 116 2,126 5.5 145 2,159 6.7 
			 Humberside 197 2,224 8.8 100 2,227 4.5 
			 Kent 77 3,599 2.1 109 3,664 3.0 
			 Lancashire 102 3,583 2.8 184 3,566 5.1 
			 Leicestershire 24 2,250 1.1 72 2,225 3.2 
			 Lincolnshire 128 1,213 11.4 100 1,221 8.2 
			 London, City of 603 869 69.4 23 854 2.7 
			 Merseyside 112 4,269 2.6 150 4,413 3.4 
			 Metropolitan police 63 30,536 0.2 611 30,710 2.0 
			 Norfolk 167 1,557 10.7 110 1,565 7.0 
			 Northamptonshire 97 1,317 7.4 63 1,281 4.9 
			 Northumbria 134 3,983 3.4 172 3,917 4.4 
			 North Wales 141 1,617 8.7 98 1,591 6.1 
			 North Yorkshire 28 1,636 1.7 99 1,654 6.0 
			 Nottinghamshire 80 2,477 3.2 139 2,410 5.8 
			 South Wales 99 3,263 3.0 252 3,297 7.6 
			 South Yorkshire 160 3,255 4.9 143 3,254 4.4 
			 Staffordshire 236 2,272 10.4 35 2,288 1.5 
			 Suffolk 97 1,300 7.5 77 1,342 5.7 
			 Surrey 116 1,922 6.0 87 1,914 4.5 
			 Sussex 401 3,092 13.0 169 3,077 5.5 
			 Thames Valley 343 4,229 8.1 237 4,197 5.7 
			 Warwickshire 13 1,032 1.3 93 1,059 8.8 
			 West Mercia 143 2,351 6.1 129 2,400 5.4 
			 West Midlands 102 8,097 1.3 383 8,173 4.7 
			 West Yorkshire 81 5,644 1.4 324 5,655 5.7 
			 Wiltshire 243 1,219 19.9 89 1,204 7.4 
			 Total 6,511 139,633 4.7 6,412 140,032 4.6 
			 (1) Staff with multiple responsibilities (or designations) are recorded under their primary role or function. This can result in substantial changes from year in year in certain forces, and may not fully reflect overall deployment. The traffic function includes staff who are predominantly employed on motorcycles or in patrol vehicles for the policing of traffic and motorway related duties. The does not include officers employed in accident investigation, vehicle examination and radar duties.  (2) Data is unavailable at police force area level between 1997 and 2003.   Source: Home Office

Police: Road Traffic Control

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average  (a) number of police in and  (b) proportion of each police force employed in speed enforcement on roads was in each of the last five years.

Tony McNulty: The Home Office's collection of police personnel data by function does not separately identify those employed in speed enforcement.

Police: Terrorism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were seconded from Essex police to the Metropolitan police for counter-terrorism duties in each of the last 48 months.

Tony McNulty: Information collected centrally about the number of officers on secondment does not identify the force to which the officer is seconded.

Proof of Identity: Aviation

John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what constitutes an official identity photo document for a British subject who does not hold a passport or driving licence when demanded by certain airline carriers operating internal UK flights.

Meg Hillier: The form of official identity photo documents required for domestic flights is a matter for individual airlines to define as there is no legal requirement to provide proof of identity for travel within the UK.

Schools: Offensive Weapons

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding the Government has allocated for educational programmes in schools in 2007-08 aimed at tackling gun crime.

Vernon Coaker: The Department for Children, Schools and Families will shortly be making available additional funding to accelerate the roll out of the extended schools programme in 12 local authorities where gun, gang and knife crime is most prevalent. This extra funding will be in addition to the £790 million given to local authorities during 2005-08 to fund the roll out of extended schools.
	The Home Office also provides small grants to local community groups through the Connected Fund. Some of this work includes working with young people in schools on educational programmes on gun crime. In 2007-08, the Connected Fund has allocated a total of £500,000 to 100 local community projects.

Security

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to her written ministerial statement of 14 November 2007,  Official Report, column 45WS, on protective security, if she will provide a copy of Lord West's report to hon. and right hon. opposition Members.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 22 November 2007
	No. As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said in her written ministerial statement of 14 November 2007,  Official Report, column 45WS, we do not intend to publish the report because we do not wish in any way to compromise our security.

Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the rollout of the Independent Sexual Violence Advisers scheme; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (and Independent Domestic Violence Advisers) are currently being independently evaluated by Cardiff University and Wolverhampton University. This evaluation is being funded by the Home Office. The evaluators are planning to produce an interim report in December and a final report next summer. The Government will make a decision on the continued roll out of these Advisers based on this evaluation.

Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) have been appointed since the commencement of the scheme; how many ISVAs remain in post; and in which areas they serve.

Vernon Coaker: In total, 38 Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) were appointed in 2006-07. The following table gives the locations and catchment areas of the ISVA services.
	At the end of 2006-07, ISVA services were asked to complete an assessment which included details of the recruitment and retention of ISVAs. As a result of this exercise, as far as we are aware all the ISVAs funded have remained in post.
	
		
			  Location of service  Catchment area 
			 Essex South Essex 
			 Derbyshire Derbyshire 
			 Nottingham North Nottinghamshire and Nottingham 
			 London (Camberwell) Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond, Southwark, Sutton, Wandsworth 
			 London (Paddington) Hounslow, Heathrow Airport, Hillingdon, Ealing, Harrow, Brent, Barnet, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, City of Westminster and Camden and Islington 
			 London (Whitechapel) North East London 
			 London (Hackney) Pan-London 
			 West London Westminster, Greenwich 
			 London (Croydon) Croydon, Bromley and Sutton 
			 Middlesbrough Hartlepool and Stockton 
			 Redcar and Cleveland Redcar and Cleveland 
			 Merseyside Wirral, Liverpool and parts of Lancashire and Wales 
			 Cheshire and Merseyside County of Cheshire 
			 Merseyside Metropolitan boroughs Knowsley and St. Helens 
			 Manchester Greater Manchester police force area 
			 Preston Lancashire 
			 Liverpool Liverpool 
			 Blackburn and Darwen Blackburn with Darwen district 
			 Southampton Southampton city 
			 Aylesbury Vale Buckinghamshire 
			 Cornwall Cornwall (Caradon, North Cornwall and Restormel) 
			 Swindon County of Wiltshire and the borough of Shrivenham 
			 Plymouth City of Plymouth and surrounding 30 mile radius 
			 Gwent Gwent 
			 Merthyr Tydfil Wales 
			 Cardiff Cardiff and the Vale 
			 Hanley North Staffordshire (Stoke on Trent, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands) 
			 Coventry Coventry City 
			 Warwick South Warwickshire 
			 Worcestershire County of Worcestershire 
			 Warwickshire Rugby Warwickshire and Coventry 
			 Walsall Western side of West Midlands 
			 Birmingham Birmingham 
			 Huddersfield Kirklees North and South, Calderdale 
			 Barnsley Barnsley borough 
			 Doncaster Doncaster and Rotherham 
			 Grimsby and Scunthorpe North East Lincolnshire 
			 Leeds Leeds

Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much of her Department's budget has been spent or committed on the Independent Sexual Violence Advisers scheme in the 2007-08 financial year; and how much has been budgeted for the scheme for the 2008-09 financial year.

Vernon Coaker: Following the £760,000 funding provided to develop 38 Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) services in 2006-07, the Government committed a further £760,000 in 2007-08 to sustain these services. In addition to this, just over £85,000 was allocated for accredited training for the role.
	Budgets for 2008-09 are currently being worked up.

Terrorism

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff in her Department are assigned to the monitoring and investigation of cults associated with terrorism; and if she will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The monitoring and investigation of groups concerned in terrorism are operational matters for the Security Service and the police. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

Terrorism: Essex

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent by each authority in Essex on combating terrorism in the borough in each of the last two years for which information is available.

Tony McNulty: The Home Office does not hold information relating to spending by each authority in Essex on combating terrorism.

Terrorism: Victims

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) males and  (b) females were (i) killed and (ii) injured in terrorist attacks in the UK in each year since 1990, broken down by age group.

Tony McNulty: Available information on persons killed relates to homicides recorded by police in England and Wales where the circumstance was 'attributed to acts of terrorism'. Data for the period 1990 to 2005-06 are shown in the following tables. The figures do not include the deaths of alleged suspects who die during terrorist activity.
	Injuries inflicted as a result of terrorist activity in England and Wales cannot be separately identified from the recorded crime datasets held by the Home Office. However, the Official Report into the 7 July London bombings states that an additional 700 persons were injured in the four attacks.
	Statistics for Scotland and Northern Ireland are a matter for the respective Secretaries of State.
	
		
			  Offences currently( 1)  recorded as homicide where apparent circumstance is 'attributed to acts of terrorism', England and Wales 1990 to 2005-06( 2,3) 
			  Recorded crime 
			  Victim gender  and age grouping  1990  1991  1992  1993  1994  1995  1996  1997 
			  Female 
			 Under 1 year — — — — — — — — 
			 1 and under 5 years — — — — — — — — 
			 5 and under 16 years — — 1 — — — — — 
			 16 and under 30 years — — — — — — — — 
			 30 and under 50 years — — — — — — — — 
			 50 and under 70 years — — — — — — — — 
			 70 years and over — — — — — — — — 
			 Age unknown — — — — — — — — 
			 Total — — 1 — — — — — 
			  
			  Male 
			 Under 1 year — — — — — — — — 
			 1 and under 5 years — — — 1 — — — — 
			 5 and under 16 years — — — 1 — — — — 
			 16 and under 30 years 1 — 1 — — — 1 — 
			 30 and under 50 years 1 1 3 1 — — 1 — 
			 50 and under 70 years 1 — — — — — — — 
			 70 years and over — — — — — — — — 
			 Age unknown — — — — — — — — 
			 Total 3 1 4 3 — — 2 — 
		
	
	
		
			  Recorded crime 
			  Victim gender  and age grouping  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005- 06( 4) 
			  Female  
			 Under 1 year — — — — — — — — 2 
			 1 and under 5 years — — — — — — — — — 
			 5 and under 16 years — — — — — — — — — 
			 16 and under 30 years — — 1 — — — — — 11 
			 30 and under 50 years — — — — — — — — 12 
			 50 and under 70 years — — — — — — — — 3 
			 70 years and over — — — — — — — — — 
			 Age unknown — — — — — — — — — 
			 Total — — 1 — — — — — 28 
			   
			  Male  
			 Under 1 year — — — — — — — — 5 
			 1 and under 5 years — — — — — — — — — 
			 5 and under 16 years — — — — — — — — — 
			 16 and under 30 years — — — — — — — — 10 
			 30 and under 50 years — — 2 — — — — — 6 
			 50 and under 70 years — — — — — — — — 3 
			 70 years and over — — — — — — — — — 
			 Age unknown — — — — — — — — — 
			 Total — — 2 — — — — — 24 
			 (1) As at 9 October 2006; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. (2) Offences are shown according to the year in which the police initially recorded the offence as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. (3) Data for 2006-07 are not yet available. (4) Each of the terrorist-related homicides recorded in 2005-06 relate to the 7 July London bombings.  Source: Homicide Index (Home Office).

NORTHERN IRELAND

Crime: Offensive Weapons

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents of crimes involving knives were reported in Belfast, North constituency in each year since 2002.

Paul Goggins: The number of incidents of crimes involving knives in North Belfast District Command Unit in each year since 2002 is as follows:
	
		
			   Number of incidents 
			 2002-03 135 
			 2003-04 112 
			 2004-05 141 
			 2005-06 173 
			 2006-07 127 
		
	
	In addition to raising the age at which knives can be purchased from 16 to 18 years of age, I have recently published proposals to toughen the laws on knife crime in Northern Ireland. The proposed changes will double the penalties for a series of knife crimes including possession, manufacture and sales offences and are part of the draft proposed Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2007 published for consultation on 8 November.

Criminal Justice Order

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the reasons are for the date at which the draft Criminal Justice Order will come into force.

Paul Goggins: Under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, a draft of a proposed Order-in-Council must be laid before Parliament for a period of 60 parliamentary sitting days. The proposed draft Criminal Justice Order was published on 8 November 2007 for consultation with a closing date of 31 January 2008. Following consideration of the representations made, the draft Order will then be laid for debate in Parliament. Subject to parliamentary approval of the draft Order, commencement will be staged with priority being given to the sentencing powers dealing with dangerous sexual and violent offenders. If Parliament approves the Order, it is my intention that these priority powers will come into operation within weeks of that approval.

Departmental Computers

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of his Department's  (a) computers and  (b) laptops have been stolen in 2007; and what the value of those items was.

Shaun Woodward: There have been no computers owned by the NIO stolen in 2007. However, two NIO laptops were stolen during this year, with an estimated value of £1,000 each.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  what reviews have been undertaken of his Department's rules on data protection in the last two years; if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the last review of his Department's compliance with data protection laws; and if his Department will undertake a review of its compliance with data protection laws;
	(2)  on how many occasions in his Department confidential data have been downloaded on to compact discs (i) without and (ii) with encryption in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; how many of those discs have been posted without using recorded or registered delivery; what procedures his Department has in place for the (A) transport, (B) exchange and (C) delivery of confidential or sensitive data; what records are kept of information held by his Department being sent outside the Department; what changes have been made to his Department's rules and procedures on data protection in the last two years; on how many occasions his Department's procedures and rules on data protection have been breached in the last five years; what those breaches were; what procedures his Department has in place on downloading confidential data on to computer discs before its transfer; what technical protections there are in his Department's computer systems to prevent access to information held on those systems which is not in accordance with departmental procedures; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each of his Department's rules and procedures on the protection of confidential data on individuals, businesses and other organisations;
	(3)  how many employees of each grade in his Department  (a) have access to confidential or sensitive data and  (b) are authorised to download such data to disk; how many of his Department's employees have undergone data protection training in the last 12 months; what the average length of time is that each employee of his Department has spent on data protection training; how many investigations of employees of his Department for improperly accessing confidential information have taken place in the last 12 months; how many such investigations resulted in cases of disciplinary action; and what the circumstances of each of those cases was.

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether his Department's information technology and data management systems are BS7799 compliant.

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  on how many occasions the Information Commissioner was contacted by his Department to report breaches of data protection security in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many breaches of data protection security there were in  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's agencies in each of the last five years; and if he will provide details of each breach.

Paul Goggins: I refer the hon. Members to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Manpower

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of staff in the Northern Ireland Office are  (a) Northern Ireland civil servants and  (b) Home Office civil servants, broken down by grade.

Shaun Woodward: The following table shows the breakdown of staff in the Northern Ireland Office by  (a) Northern Ireland civil servants and  (b) Home Office civil servants, broken down by grade.
	
		
			   NICS  HCS 
			 SCS 31 19 
			 Grade A 178 23 
			 Grade Bl 265 12 
			 Grade B2 232 38 
			 Grade C 440 30 
			 Grade Dl 577 22 
			 Grade D2 258 20 
			 Industrial 31 — 
			 Total 2,012 164

Domestic Violence: Convictions

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were convicted of domestic violence offences in Northern Ireland in each of the last six years; and what the penalty imposed in each case was.

Paul Goggins: At present specific information on domestic assaults is not included in court conviction and sentencing data. It is not possible, therefore, to separate domestic violence from other violent offences.
	It is, however, possible to give the number convicted of offences which, by their definition, relate to domestic violence. Specifically these are: 'breach of non-molestation order'; 'breach of occupation order'; and 'breach of exclusion requirement'. Conviction and sentencing data for these offences are documented in Tables 1-3.
	A wider range of information on the incidence and impact of domestic violence is available from the Northern Ireland Crime Survey and from PSNI statistics. PSN1 statistics from 2005-06 to 2006-07 report a 6.1 per cent. decrease in the number of domestic crimes recorded and further details are available at:
	http://www.psni.police.uk/2._domestic_incidents_and_crimes-3.pdf
	I have placed a copy of the latest available statistical bulletin on domestic violence from the Northern Ireland Crime Survey in the Library of the House.
	Data in the following tables cover the calendar years 2000 to 2005 (the latest available years) and are collated on the principal offence rule; so only the most serious offence with which an offender is charged is included.
	
		
			  Table 1: Disposals given to those convicted for 'breach of non-molestation order' 2000-05 
			   2000  2001  2002  2003( 1)  2004  2005 
			 Immediate custody 35 20 17 22 24 24 
			 (Average sentence length—months) (2.0) (2.2) (2.1) (3.0) (2.4) (1.9) 
			 Suspended custody 26 51 45 41 39 59 
			 Supervision in the community 19 15 13 12 23 17 
			 Fine 60 55 76 75 86 89 
			 Conditional discharge 31 65 70 77 70 56 
			 Other 17 13 15 12 13 8 
			 Total number of convictions 188 219 236 239 255 253 
			 (1) Average sentence length in 2003 excludes one sentenced to juvenile justice centre order 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Disposals given to those convicted for 'breach of occupation order' 2000-05 
			   2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Immediate custody 3 3 3 2 4 3 
			 (Average sentence length—months) (3.0) (2.3) (1.3) (1.3) (1.5) (1.7) 
			 Suspended custody 2 7 10 7 8 4 
			 Supervision in the community 0 0 6 1 1 2 
			 Fine 7 7 12 10 12 10 
			 Conditional discharge 10 14 14 11 8 5 
			 Other 4 3 3 5 4 1 
			 Total number of convictions 26 34 48 36 37 25 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Disposals given to those convicted for 'breach of exclusion requirement' 2000-05 
			   2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Conditional discharge 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Total number of convictions 0 0 1 0 0 0

Driving Under Influence

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research he has commissioned on lowering the permitted alcohol limit for drink drive offences in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: The permitted alcohol limit for drink drive offences in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Minister of the Environment in the Northern Ireland Executive.

Homicide: Elderly

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many elderly persons have been murdered in their homes in Northern Ireland in each year since 1998; and how many persons have been  (a) charged with and  (b) convicted of such murders.

Paul Goggins: The number of elderly persons murdered in their homes in Northern Ireland for each year since 2001 is set out in the following table.
	The table also sets out the number of murders cleared, and the number cleared by means of a charge or summons.
	It is not possible to supply data for the first three years requested as the exact location of murders was not recorded prior to 2001. Since the recorded figures for convictions do not record details of victims, it is not possible to provide data on the number of convictions.
	
		
			   Number of murders recorded  Number of murders cleared  Number of murders cleared by means of charge/summons 
			 2001-02 2 2 2 
			 2002-03 1 1 1 
			 2003-04 2 0 0 
			 2004-05 1 1 1 
			 2005-06 0 0 0 
			 2006-07 3 2 2

Illegal Immigrants

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many illegal immigrants were discovered working for his Department in the last year for which figures are available.

Paul Goggins: No illegal immigrants have been discovered working in the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Act 1998

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review the effectiveness of section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: In accordance with schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland recently conducted a major review of the effectiveness of the duties imposed by section 75 of the 1998 Act. This involved independent research and widespread engagement across the public, voluntary and community sectors.
	A final report setting out the Commission's recommendations for enhanced effectiveness of section 75 implementation will be published shortly.

Orange Order: Crimes of Violence

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many attacks were made on Orange halls in each constituency in Northern Ireland in each year since 1998.

Paul Goggins: PSNI has advised statistics in relation to recorded criminal damage offences involving an Orange Hall are only available from 2001-02 and are collated by District Command Unit rather than constituency. These are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Criminal damage offences recorded where the location of the offence is an Orange Hall 2001-02—2006-07 
			   Recorded 
			  DCU  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Antrim 1 1 2 1 1 0 
			 Ards 3 2 1 0 0 1 
			 East Belfast 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 North Belfast 1 0 3 1 2 2 
			 South Belfast 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 West Belfast 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Carrickfergus 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Castlereagh 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Down 3 3 1 1 4 2 
			 Lisburn 5 2 2 2 3 1 
			 Newtownabbey 0 0 1 1 0 0 
			 North Down 0 1 0 0 1 1 
			 Urban region 14 10 11 6 12 8 
			
			 Armagh 3 3 3 1 2 5 
			 Ballymena 1 0 2 2 1 2 
			 Ballymoney 5 2 0 2 3 4 
			 Banbridge 1 1 4 0 2 2 
			 Coleraine 2 2 1 0 0 1 
			 Cookstown 2 2 3 1 3 1 
			 Craigavon 2 2 0 0 0 6 
			 Dungannon 2 3 3 2 5 1 
			 Fermanagh 1 0 2 2 0 0 
			 Foyle 2 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Lame 0 0 0 0 1 1 
			 Limavady 0 0 0 1 0 1 
			 Magherafelt 5 1 1 0 6 9 
			 Moyle 2 2 1 0 0 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 1 1 4 4 1 4 
			 Omagh 0 1 3 5 2 4 
			 Strabane 3 3 0 6 2 3 
			 Rural region 32 23 27 26 28 45 
			
			 Total 46 33 38 32 40 53 
			  Note: These figures are provisional and may be subject to revision.  Source: Central Statistics Unit, PSNI

Orange Order: Crimes of Violence

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were  (a) charged with and  (b) convicted of attacks on Orange halls in Northern Ireland in each year since 1998.

Paul Goggins: PSNI has advised that statistics in relation to those charged with criminal damage offences involving an Orange Hall are only available from 2001-02. The table details these statistics.
	The information requested in relation to convictions of those charged would necessitate a manual trawl through files across Departments and police districts which would incur a disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Criminal damage offences recorded and cleared where the location of the offence is an Orange Hall 
			   Number of criminal damage offences cleared by means of charge/summons 
			 2001-02 0 
			 2002-03 1 
			 2003-04 0 
			 2004-05 0 
			 2005-06 1 
			 2006-07 0 
			  Note: These figures are provisional and may be subject to revision.  Source: Central Statistics Unit, PSNI

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Religion

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many and what percentage of  (a) applicants and  (b) appointees to the Police Service of Northern Ireland were (i) Protestant, (ii) Roman Catholic and (iii) of non-determined religion in each of the last four years.

Paul Goggins: I am advised that as of 23 November 2007, the number of people in each category of applicants and appointees in each of the last four years is as; follows:
	
		
			   Protestant  Catholic  Not determined 
			   Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage  Number  Percentage 
			  Applicants   
			 2004 6,713 62.90 3,691 34.59 268 2.51 
			 2005 8,456 61.29 4,909 35.58 431 3.12 
			 2006 9,152 58.69 5,953 38.18 488 3.13 
			 2007 3,819 51.28 3,310 44.45 318 4.27 
			
			  Appointees   
			 2004 303 50.67 290 48.49 5 0.84 
			 2005 218 48.55 227 50.56 4 0.89 
			 2006 200 49.26 202 49.75 4 0.99 
			 2007 177 48.36 187 51.09 2 0.55 
		
	
	Only one recruitment competition was held in 2007, hence the reduction in the number of applicants. In previous years, two competitions were held.
	The reason the percentages quoted for Catholic and non-Catholic appointees are not exactly 50:50 when represented in this way, is that the 50:50 provisions are applied to each recruitment competition and not to each calendar year.

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Training

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on equality and human rights training in each financial year since 2002-03; and what percentage this represented of the total training budget.

Paul Goggins: Human Rights and Diversity training has been embedded across all aspects of the PSNI training programme. For example, all lessons delivered within the college would have been audited for human rights compliance and officers involved in firearms training would also receive twice yearly training on human rights. Therefore, a breakdown of costs for individual aspects of training courses is not readily accessible. To collate the figures would require a manual trawl of records and this could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Sexual Offences: Prisoners Release

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many sex offenders were released on licence under Article 26 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 in each year since the legislation came into operation; and how many were  (a) fined and  (b) recalled to prison for breach of their licence conditions under Article 27 of that Order in each year.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is set out in the following table. The first year that people were released under Article 26 was 2000.
	
		
			   Released on licence (Article 26)  Breach of licence  Recall to custody  Fine 
			 2000 3 0 — — 
			 2001 3 2 2 — 
			 2002 6 1 1 — 
			 2003 9 0 — — 
			 2004 14 0 — — 
			 2005 11 0 — — 
			 2006 10 3 1 2

WALES

Delivery Services

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which companies are under contract to his Department to provide mail services.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office have mail service contracts with Royal Mail and Government Car and Despatch Agency.

Departmental Data Protection

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans his Department has to review the practices involved in transporting data; whether his Department  (a) uses and  (b) plans to continue to use TNT to transport data; and what plans it has to put the transportation of confidential data out to tender.

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many confirmed data security breaches there have been in his Department in the last 36 months; and what action was taken after each occurrence.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Members to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Marketing

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidelines issued to staff maintaining his Department's and its agencies' corporate identity; and what the estimated cost of  (a) producing and  (b) complying with such guidelines is.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office does not issue staff guidelines on corporate identity and subsequently does not incur costs against this.
	Advice is provided on a case-by-case basis by the Communications team as and when necessary.

Education: Wrexham

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students entered  (a) further education and  (b) higher education in each ward in Wrexham in the last 10 years.

Peter Hain: The following table shows data available from the Health Education Statistics Agency illustrating Wrexham domiciled first year undergraduate and further education enrolments at UK higher education institutions by level of study and electoral ward. These are derived from unitary local authority returns. These do not provide comparisons over the period requested, but only since 2003, and currently until 2005-06.
	
		
			  Wrexham domiciled first year undergraduate and further education enrolments at UK higher education institutions, by leve l of study and electoral ward 
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			  Higher Education
			 Acton 20 20 20 
			 Borras Park 30 20 25 
			 Bronington 35 30 30 
			 Brymbo 15 25 20 
			 Bryn Cefn 15 20 20 
			 Brynyffynnon 25 35 35 
			 Cartrefle 15 10 15 
			 Cefn 35 35 40 
			 Chirk North 20 10 25 
			 Chirk South 15 15 15 
			 Coedpoeth 45 50 45 
			 Dyffryn Ceiriog/Ceiriog Valley 30 25 25 
			 Erddig 30 35 35 
			 Esclusham 25 20 20 
			 Garden Village 20 25 35 
			 Gresford East and West 25 30 30 
			 Grosvenor 30 30 35 
			 Gwenfro 5 5 15 
			 Gwersyllt East and South 30 30 25 
			 Gwersyllt North 25 20 15 
			 Gwersyllt West 30 30 25 
			 Hermitage 30 25 5 
			 Holt 35 40 40 
			 Johnstown 35 20 30 
			 Little Acton 20 35 25 
			 Llanfynydd * * 5 
			 Llangollen * * * 
			 Llangollen Rural 20 15 20 
			 Llay 40 40 30 
			 Maesydre 20 15 30 
			 Marchwiel 35 20 40 
			 Marford and Hoseley 35 40 40 
			 Minera 20 25 30 
			 New Broughton 20 35 30 
			 Offa 30 30 40 
			 Overton 25 25 25 
			 Pant 10 10 20 
			 Penycae 15 20 10 
			 Penycae and Ruabon South 25 25 20 
			 Plas Madoc 10 15 15 
			 Ponciau 50 35 50 
			 Queensway 10 15 15 
			 Rhosnesni 40 45 35 
			 Rossett 40 40 35 
			 Ruabon 25 30 15 
			 Smithfield 25 20 25 
			 Stansty 25 15 25 
			 Whitegate 30 30 25 
			 Wynnstay 5 10 10 
			 
			 Wrexham UA(1) 1,190 1,200 1,260 
			 Further Education(2) — — — 
			 Wrexham UA(1) 105 70 70 
			 (1) Includes electoral ward unknown. (2) Ward level data not given for further education due to small numbers.  Notes: 1. As at 1 December. Figures rounded to the nearest 5, figures less than 3 represented by"*". 2. Data item unavailable is represented by"—". 3. Comparisons with years prior to 1998-99 should be treated with care due to changes in FE students covered by Student Record. 4. The table presents counts of first year enrolments and will include some students who have studied at this level previously.  Source: HESA Student Record.

Illegal Immigrants

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many illegal immigrants have been discovered working for his Department in the last year for which figures are available.

Peter Hain: None.

PRIME MINISTER

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Prime Minister what the expected salary level of the Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministerial interests will be in the year commencing 1 January 2008.

Gordon Brown: The independent adviser on Ministers' interests will publish an annual report, which will include information relating to his appointment and role.

Ministry of Defence

Keith Simpson: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  when he last visited the Ministry of Defence's permanent joint headquarters;
	(2)  when he last visited the Ministry of Defence main building; and for what purposes.

Gordon Brown: I have regular meetings and discussions with ministerial colleagues and officials on a wide range of subjects, including within the Ministry of Defence.

Transport

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Prime Minister how many times he has met individuals representing  (a) rail passengers,  (b) the rail industry,  (c) bus passengers,  (d) bus companies,  (e) coach passengers,  (f) coach companies and  (g) cyclists since he became Prime Minister.

Gordon Brown: My officials and I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals on a range of subjects.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Alcoholic Drinks: Licensing

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what terms of reference have been adopted for the review of the operation of the Licensing Act 2003; and when the review is expected to conclude.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Prior to the introduction of the Act on 24 November 2005, Ministers committed to evaluate the impact of the Act after sufficient evidence became available. This will review progress in achieving the aims of the reform and the impact of the Act on the four statutory licensing objectives: (the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm).
	The evaluation will also consider the level of administrative burdens placed on business by the Act measured against a May 2005 baseline; the impact of the Act on the provision of live music; and the efficiency of various processes in the Act. A key element of the review will be the assessment of the impact of reform on crime and disorder which is being carried out by the Home Office.
	The review brings together the various outputs and conclusions from a number of studies about whether any changes are necessary to:  (a) statutory Guidance produced under section 182 of the Act;  (b) regulations made under the Act; and  (c) the primary legislation itself.
	The studies are described as follows:
	Scrutiny Councils Initiative;
	Review of Statutory Guidance;
	DCMS Simplification Plan;
	Independent Fees Panel Report;
	Live Music Forum Report;
	National Statistics licensing data bulletin;
	Analysis of actual on-trade closing hours;
	Home Office Study into impact on Crime and Disorder.
	We expect to conclude this work in the new year once the Home Office crime and disorder evaluation is published.

Arts Council of England: Finance

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to his Department's press release of 12 October, how much funding the Arts Council England will receive from the comprehensive spending review settlement in  (a) cash and  (b) real terms until 2011.

James Purnell: Over the next three years Arts Council England will receive the following revenue Grant in Aid:
	
		
			   Revenue GiA (£ million) 
			 2008-09 428.955 
			 2009-10 443.455 
			 2010-11 466.955 
		
	
	In real terms, the figures in 2007-08 prices would be:
	
		
			   Real terms (£ million) 
			 2008-09 417.678 
			 2009-10 420.456 
			 2010-11 431.088

British Film Council: Ministerial Powers

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his oversight role under the Royal Charter establishing the British Film Council.

Margaret Hodge: The Secretary of State has oversight of the work of the British Film Institute through his Department's sponsorship of the UK Film Council.
	The only reference to the Secretary of State in the British Film Institute Royal Charter (as amended and in effect from 19 April 2000) relates to the appointment of the chairman, who shall be appointed, with the approval of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, by the Film Council.

British Film Institute: Public Appointments

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will ensure that the British Film Council publishes the short-list of candidates to be chair of the British Film Institute prior to his approving the Film Council's choice.

Margaret Hodge: No. Publication of the shortlist would breach individuals' rights to confidentiality. The UK Film Council has responsibility for appointing the chair of the British Film Institute and will ensure a fair and open competition. The Secretary of State must formally approve the appointment.

Broadcasting: Emergencies

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with Ofcom on their ability to waive licence fees and vary rules with regard to broadcasting in times of emergencies; and if he will make a statement.

James Purnell: None. The planning, licensing and regulation of radio (except BBC) is a matter for the independent regulator Ofcom.

Crimes of Violence

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultation took place on the Guidance on Expedited Licence Reviews under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 before it came into force.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport produced non-statutory guidance to assist police forces and licensing authorities when considering using the provisions inserted at section 53A of the 2003 Act by the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. Members of the Department's stakeholder advisory group on licensing, which includes representatives of local authorities, the police and the licensed trade, were given an opportunity to comment on a draft of the guidance before it was finalised.

Cutty Sark: Finance

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been provided for the project to restore the Cutty Sark from  (a) Government funds and  (b) lottery funding.

Margaret Hodge: Between 1996 and 2006, the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded five grants totalling £13,457,216 to the project to restore the Cutty Sark. These were (1) £160,000 for urgent repairs (1996); (2) £48,216 towards a conservation plan (1997); (3) £198,000 for restoration of the Mizzen Mast (1998); (4) £50,000 towards phase one of the preservation project (2003); and £13,001,000 towards the conservation project (including £1,251,000 of development funding) (2006). Government do not directly fund such projects.

Delivery Services

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which companies are under contract to his Department to provide mail services.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has contracts for the provision of mail services with Pitney Bowes, the Government Car and Despatch Service and the Royal Mail.

Departmental Computers

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many of his Department's  (a) computers and  (b) laptops have been stolen in 2007; and what the value of those items was.

Gerry Sutcliffe: My Department has not had any laptops or computers stolen in 2007.

Departmental Correspondence

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of inquiries received by his Department from the public were responded to within  (a) one week,  (b) 14 days,  (c) 28 days,  (d) two months and  (e) three months in the last period for which figures are available; and in what percentage of cases it took (i) over three months and (ii) over one year to respond.

Gerry Sutcliffe: DCMS takes very seriously its responsibility for responding to inquiries from members of the public. The Department does not hold the information requested in the format required, and to provide it in this format would incur disproportionate cost.
	For the period 1 January 2007 to 23 October 2007, 90.58 per cent. of our responses to members of the public (8,624 of 9,521 cases) were answered within 20 working days and we aim to answer as high a percentage as possible within a significantly shorter timeframe. Additionally, 74.35 per cent. of responses to letters from MPs and Peers were answered within 20 working days for the same time period.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what reviews have been undertaken of his Department's rules on data protection in the last two years; if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the last review of his Department's compliance with data protection laws; and if  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's agencies will undertake a review of their compliance with data protection laws;
	(2)  on how many occasions in  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies confidential data have been downloaded on to compact discs (i) without and (ii) with encryption in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; how many of those discs have been posted without using recorded or registered delivery; what procedures his Department has in place for the (A) transport, (B) exchange and (C) delivery of confidential or sensitive data; what records are kept of information held by his Department being sent outside the Department; what changes have been made to his Department's rules and procedures on data protection in the last two years; on how many occasions his Department's procedures and rules on data protection have been breached in the last five years; what those breaches were; what procedures his Department has in place on downloading confidential data on to computer discs before its transfer; what technical protections there are in his Department's computer systems to prevent access to information held on those systems which is not in accordance with departmental procedures; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each of his Department's rules and procedures on the protection of confidential data on individuals, businesses and other organisations;
	(3)  how many employees of each grade in his Department  (a) have access to confidential or sensitive data and  (b) are authorised to download such data to disc; how many of his Department's employees have undergone data protection training in the last 12 months; what the average length of time is that each employee of (i) his Department and (ii) his Department's agency has spent on data protection training; how many investigations of employees of his Department for improperly accessing confidential information have taken place in the last 12 months; how many such investigations resulted in cases of disciplinary action; and what the circumstances of each of those cases were.

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what procedures are in place in his Department to ensure that personal information relating to members of the public is  (a) stored and  (b) transported securely.

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  on how many occasions the Information Commissioner was contacted by his Department to report breaches of data protection security in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many breaches of data protection security there were in  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's Agency in each of the last five years; and if he will provide details of each breach.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether his Department's information technology and data management systems are BS7799 compliant.

Gerry Sutcliffe: My Department gained accreditation last year for part one (documentation) of BS7799 and is fully compliant with part two (processes) of the standard.

Departmental Data Protection

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  how many requests his Department received from the National Audit Office for access to databases containing personal information on members of the general public in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many times databases held by his Department and containing personal information on members of the general public were accessed in each month of the last five years;
	(3)  how many security breaches regarding access to personal data occurred within his Department in each year since 1997;
	(4)  when each electronic database held by his Department containing personal information on members of the general public was first created;
	(5)  how many electronic databases held by his Department contain  (a) names,  (b) addresses,  (c) bank details and  (d) other personal information on members of the general public.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many breaches of the Data Protection Act 1998 requiring investigation there have been in the last five years in his Department; what the nature of such breaches were; and what the results of the investigations were in each case.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by right hon. friend the Prime Minister on 21 November,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Foreign Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and  (b) non EU foreign nationals are employed by his Department.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is currently employing one EU foreign national and one non EU foreign national.

Departmental Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what land surplus to his Department's requirements it is  (a) selling,  (b) leasing and  (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is.

Margaret Hodge: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is in the process of selling 3.6 acres of surplus land to the "North of the British Library".

Departmental Publicity

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many full-time equivalent staff are responsible for brand management and marketing in his Department and its agencies.

Margaret Hodge: The Department has 0.5 full-time equivalent staff responsible for brand management and marketing.
	DCMS publish a set of brand guidelines which stipulate clear rules about how the DCMS brand should be presented in various visual formats and we insist that our rostered design agencies abide by these guidelines.
	We also manage and approve requests from independent and partnership organisations that are working with DCMS and require a joint branding.
	The objectives of the DCMS brand are to ensure the visual consistency across printed and digital media to enable a better understanding of the Department's objectives and responsibilities, and raise its profile amongst its diverse audiences which include internal stakeholders, the general public and sponsored bodies.
	With regard to its agencies, this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Publicity

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department and its agencies spent on staff working on  (a) marketing and  (b) branding in the last 12 month period for which figures are available.

Margaret Hodge: The Department has not spent money on staff working on marketing and branding in the last 12 month period.
	Information on the Department's agencies could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Publicity

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent by his Department on advertising in the last 12 months.

Margaret Hodge: The Department has spent the following on advertising in the last 12 months.
	"London 2012: Ask the team" Birmingham event, 25 June 2007—adverts in four local newspapers: £2,639.
	"London 2012: Ask the team" London event, 11 October 2007—adverts in three local newspapers: £5,186.

Digital Broadcasting: Salisbury

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will bring forward from 2012 the proposed start of digital broadcasting from the Salisbury transmitter.

James Purnell: The timetable for digital switchover, announced by my right hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell) in 2005, was the result of a great deal of work conducted by spectrum planners, working alongside the broadcasters, Ofcom and Digital UK.
	The order in which transmitters would cease broadcasting in analogue, and begin transmitting high power digital signals, was determined primarily by the following technical criteria:
	The need to co-ordinate frequency use with neighbouring countries;
	The desire to avoid interference with maintained analogue services in one region while converting another;
	The time needed in order to convert all 1,154 transmitters, a process requiring a great deal of equipment and highly specialised engineers.
	It is therefore extremely difficult to bring forward (or delay) the switchover date for one particular transmitter without a very compelling reason.

East of England Development Agency: Tourism

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what he estimates will be the level of funding for the East of England Development Agency for the purposes of tourism for 2008-09; what proportion this represents of his Department's expenditure on tourism in that year; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: Funding for regional development agencies (RDAs) is not ring-fenced for particular purposes. In 2008-09, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will provide a contribution of £3.5 million towards the funding of the eight RDAs outside London. Total funding for the RDAs will be £2.2 billion (distributed through the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) of which the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) will receive £132 million. EEDA allocated £1.34 million for supporting tourism in 2007-08, but has not yet finalised its business plan for 2008-09.

Flags: Public Participation

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many representations he received on the consultation document on flag flying; when he will report on the consultation; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: 305 responses were received by the time the consultation on flying the Union flag on Government buildings closed on 9 November.
	DCMS has committed to publishing a summary of those responses within one month of the end of the consultation. The Government intend to respond in the new year.

Football Association

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what meetings he had with the Football Association in each week since June 2007; what the  (a) location and  (b) duration of each meeting was; whether a record of each meeting was kept; who attended each meeting; what the cost was of each meeting, broken down by (i) administrative and (ii) other costs; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met the Football Association on a number of occasions since June 2007, firstly on 7 August at the Creating Chances launch, in his office on 8 August, at the launch of Kickz on 14 September, at a reception he hosted for the England women's football team at DCMS on 7 November, at the Barclays Spaces for Sport event at Rosemary Gardens, Islington on 22 November and at Fulham Football Academy on 26 November.
	I have also met the FA on a number of occasions since June 2007. Firstly on 13 June and 5 July both in my office, at Soho Square on 18 July, at the FA Agents Conference at Wembley Stadium on 11 October, at a reception for the England women's football team at DCMS on 7 November, at Fulham Football Academy on 26 November and most recently on 28 November at Soho Square. A note was taken of the main issues discussed on 13 June, 5 July, 8 August and 28 November respectively.
	The cost of these meetings was met from normal departmental running costs.

Football: Females

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make representations to enable a women's football team from Great Britain to compete in the 2008 Olympics; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Any decision on whether a Great Britain football team participates at the 2008 Olympic games is a matter for FIFA, the four Home Nations' Football Associations, and the organisers of the Olympic tournament. I believe that the participation of a GB women's football team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics would have strongly benefited women's football and raised its profile across the whole of the UK. I am therefore very disappointed that, despite encouragement from Government and the current enthusiasm for the women's game, no agreement could be reached between the four Home Nations' Football Associations to allow a GB women's football team to participate.

Football: Schools

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Children, Schools and Families on football development in  (a) primary schools and ( b) secondary schools; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: On 21 November 2007, our Secretary of State and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the DCSF, chaired a seminar with governing bodies and school sport associations, including the Football Association and the English Schools Football Association, to develop our plans to increase competitive sporting opportunities for children and young people and create world class junior competition structures in both schools and clubs.

Football: Tickets

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations he has made to the football association on the pricing regime of Premier League football tickets for the 2007-08 season; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I meet regularly with the football authorities to discuss a range of issues, including those of direct concern to supporters such as ticket pricing.
	Ticket pricing is a matter for the football authorities and it would not be right for Government to seek to intervene in these issues directly.
	However, there is a clear role for Government to play in acting as a 'critical friend' to football, and in seeking to facilitate useful debates around areas of concern across all levels of sport.
	The Government are committed to ensuring that all football clubs are run in the best possible way and that they remain a focal point of their local community. It is essential that a serious debate takes place around the rising costs involved for those wishing to support their local team on a regular basis and the potential impact this trend might have on the supporters of the future.

Illegal Immigrants

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many illegal immigrants have been discovered working for his Department and its agencies in the last year for which figures are available.

Gerry Sutcliffe: No illegal immigrants have been discovered working in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport or the Royal Parks in the last year.

Islam

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will ask Ofcom to place in the Library the material in its possession originating from  (a) West Midlands police,  (b) the Crown Prosecution Service and  (c) other sources relating to Channel 4's Dispatches programme, Undercover Mosques and the Ofcom investigation into it.

James Purnell: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The matters raised are the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom) as independent regulator. Accordingly, my officials have asked the chief executive of Ofcom to respond directly to the hon. Member. Copies of the chief executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Licensed Premises: Finance

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will put measures in place to require owners of licensed premises to contribute to the cost of managing public safety consequent upon the night-time economy.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Such measures would amount to taxation and would therefore be a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer to consider. Licensed premises are likely to already be paying tax which would include a contribution to managing public safety at all times of the day and night. There are, therefore, currently no plans to introduce the measures envisaged.

Members: Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the Minister for Sport will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 15 October on consumer credit licences and amateur private sports clubs (reference: 80018).

Gerry Sutcliffe: The issues raised in the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 15 October fall within the remit of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR).
	I understand that a reply was sent to the hon. Member on 19 November by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Consumer Affairs (Mr. Thomas).

Multiple Occupation: Digital Broadcasting

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether communal digital television receiving infrastructure will be built in to all new dwellings for multiple occupation constructed as part of the 2012 Olympic site regeneration.

James Purnell: Yes. All residential properties built as part of the Olympic Village will have the benefit of a fibre communications network which will allow for transmission of voice, data and other communication protocols including digital television.

Museums and Galleries

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 11W, on museums and galleries, if he will list each of the  (a) museums and  (b) art galleries sponsored by his Department in each of the last 10 years.

Margaret Hodge: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport sponsors the following museums and galleries:
	1. The British Museum
	2. The Geffrye Museum
	3. The Horniman Museum
	4. The Imperial War Museum
	5. The Museum of London
	6. The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester
	7. The National Gallery
	8. The National Maritime Museum
	9. The National Museum of Science and Industry
	10. National Museums Liverpool(1)
	11. The National Portrait Gallery
	12. The Natural History Museum
	13. The Royal Armouries
	14. Sir John Soane's Museum
	15. TheTate
	16. Tyne and Wear Museums(2)
	17. The Victoria and Albert Museum
	18. The Wallace Collection.
	The Department began sponsorship of the following museums within the last 10 years:
	19. The National Coal Mining Museum for England (from 1998-99)
	20. The Design Museum (from 2001-02)
	21. The National Football Museum (from 2003-04)
	22. The Peoples History Museum (from 2003-04).
	(1) Includes the Walker and Lady Lever art galleries.
	(2) Includes the Laing and Shipley art galleries.

Music

Jeff Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what his estimate is of the number of brass bands which were playing in England on  (a) 1 November 2007,  (b) 1 November 1997 and  (c) 1 November 1987;
	(2)  what his estimate is of the number of junior or youth brass bands which were playing in England on  (a) 1 November 2007,  (b) 1 November 1997 and  (c) 1 November 1987.

Margaret Hodge: The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is unable to make these estimates because the information is not held centrally.

Royal Opera House: Finance

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been granted to  (a) the Royal Opera House and  (b) the London Coliseum by (i) the Arts Council for England and (ii) other public bodies in each of the last five years.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 26 November 2007
	The figures are as follows:
	 (a) The Royal Opera House
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 Arts Council England (ACE) Core Grant 21,754,450 23,110,841 24,866,154 25,550,000 26,252,600 
			 Other public bodies 0 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	 (b) English National Opera (who are based in the London Coliseum)
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			 Arts Council England (ACE) Core Grant 15,000,000 16,078,500 16,556,220 17,011,516 17,479,300 
			 ACE Stabilisation Funding (Lottery) 6,496,000 1,816,000 1,688,000 0 0 
			 ACE Restoration Closure Grant (Lottery) 1,070,000 500,00 0 0 0 
			 ACE Restoration Award (Lottery) 6,733,000 0 326,000 0 0 
			 Heritage Lottery Fund Restoration Award 6,654,000 1,380,000 311,000 0 0 
			 Westminster City Council 100,000 57,000 60,000 56,000 52,000

Sport: Finance

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding his Department has allocated to sport in  (a) Ribble Valley and  (b) the Lancashire county council area in the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 26 November 2007
	Financial support for sport from public sources is primarily channelled through Sport England and UK Sport, the two DCMS sponsored bodies which dispense Exchequer and Lottery funds for sport from DCMS, in line with their own policies and priorities for the development of sport.
	UK Sport is the Government's lead agency for high performance sport. It is not possible for UK Sport to determine an amount of funding allocated to specific counties or regions.
	The following table provides details of the Exchequer funding and Lottery funding allocated through Sport England to  (a) Ribble Valley local authority and  (b) Lancashire county council area for the last five years.
	
		
			  £ 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			  Exchequer funding  
			 Lancashire 0 0 96,000 657,931 293,878 
			   
			  Lottery funding  
			 Ribble Valley 20,000 0 0 56,950 0 
			 Lancashire 1,746,952 2,258,697 4,078,083 4,687,554 459,442 
		
	
	National Governing Bodies (NGBs) also fund sport through Whole Sport Plans which provide a national funding allocation for each sport and is distributed by Sport England. It is not possible for Sport England to determine the amount of funding allocated through NGBs to specific counties or regions.

Sports: Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to tackle anti-Semitism in  (a) football and  (b) other sports; what recent representations he has received on the issue; what recent meetings he has had with the Football Association about the issue; what the (i) location and (ii) duration of each meeting was; whether a record of each meeting was kept; who attended each meeting; what the cost was of each meeting, broken down by (A) administrative costs and (B) other costs; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Sporting Equals, an independent organisation funded by our non-departmental public body, Sport England, are developing guidelines on discrimination in sport, including anti-Semitism.
	I have had no meetings with the Football Association (FA) on this issue; however, I have received some correspondence from the public concerning anti-Semitism in sport.
	Since the end of 2005, the FA has been working with Maccabi GB (a Jewish charity for sporting, educational and social events), and the Community Security Trust to understand the scope, scale and steps that need to be taken to ensure positive action in tackling anti-Semitism in football. The FA encourages people to report all types of abuse and investigates all incidents, taking appropriate action where proven. Additionally, the FA has available on their website, a religious calendar available to all organisations to assist when planning events and competitions.

Sports: Finance

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding his Department allocated to sport in  (a) each London borough and  (b) each Government region in the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not fund sport directly. In this instance the funding has been provided by Sport England for sport and physical activity.
	
		
			  (a) London boroughs that have received funding in the last five years for sport and physical activity 
			  London borough  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  Total 
			  Exchequer funding   
			 Brent — — — — 3,550 3,550 
			 Croydon 10,000 — — — 45,000 55,000 
			 Enfield and Haringey 24,000 25,000 77,000 — — 126,000 
			 Greenwich — — 10,000 — — 10,000 
			 Hackney and Tower Hamlets 35,000 35,000 45,000 — — 115,000 
			 Havering — — — 89,000 — 89,000 
			 Newham — — 40,000 — — 40,000 
			 Sutton — — — — 34,798 34,798 
			 Waltham Forest — — 24,500 — — 24,500 
			 Total 69,000 60,000 196,500 89,000 83,348 497,848 
			
			  Lottery funding   
			 Barking and Dagenham 3,003,871 — 415,192 — — 3,419,063 
			 Barnet 646,770 20,900 — 341,000 — 1,008,670 
			 Bexley 378,344 1,675,000 — 717,302 1,387,996 4,158,642 
			 Brent 899,643 225,211 253,610 186,412 — 1,564,876 
			 Bromley — 936,281 470,340 1,761,528 1,630,200 4,798,349 
			 Camden 1,329,913 161,170 8,128,681 2,165,010 3,254,411 15,039,185 
			 City of London 1,947,500 — — 187,530 61,667 2,196,697 
			 Croydon 754,110 145,000 168,000 438,855 170,000 1,675,965 
			 Ealing 10,255 72,009 10,000 155,328 — 247,592 
			 Enfield 1,580,000 850,000 6,700,000 13,086 — 9,143,086 
			 Greenwich 652,498 119,551 343,161 2,193,000 6,000,000 9,308,210 
			 Hackney 3,702,713 — 192,473 — — 3,895,186 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 392,102 389,915 4,262,394 11,146,093 2,247,000 18,437,504 
			 Haringey 422,206 351,812 873,745 53,340 67,971 1,769,074 
			 Harrow 597,833 — — — — 597,833 
			 Havering 662,481 188,000 138,000 123,165 — 1,111,646 
			 Hillingdon — 40,000 2,046,505 300,984 — 2,387,489 
			 Hounslow 2,557,952 1,109,399 1,870,873 3,832,520 4,567,969 13,938,713 
			 Islington 993,452 327,383 910,076 25,074 20,000 2,275,985 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 462,077 — 256,217 — — 718,294 
			 Kingston upon Thames 586,149 4,185 — — — 590,334 
			 Lambeth 104,748 573,619 3,093,282 — 293,855 4,065,504 
			 Lewisham 1,242,007 633,737 727,141 173,165 — 2,776,050 
			 Merton 10,000 — 40,000 — — 50,000 
			 Newham 725,905 785,327 1,198,251 146,400 50,000 2,905,883 
			 Redbridge 441,332 — — 40,000 — 481,332 
			 Richmond upon Thames 12,637 — 636,876 — 131,233 780,746 
			 Southwark 361,982 3,460,676 318,516 1,312,648 1,587,213 7,041,035 
			 Sutton — 1,493,077 213,000 _ — — 1,706,077 
			 Tower Hamlets 1,062,072 434,895 8,414,074 123,650 375,237 10,409,928 
			 Waltham Forest 258,449 3,509,891 2,123,124 697,265 — 6,588,729 
			 Wandsworth 70,349 131,286 1,385,340 75,000 — 1,661,975 
			 Westminster 579,263 2,497,880 3,934,762 13,323,853 16,065,557 36,401,315 
			 Total 26,448,613 20,136,204 49,123,633 39,532,208 37,910,309 173,150,967 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Each Government region in the last five years 
			  Region  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  Total 
			  Exchequer funding   
			 North East 387,154 316,978 573,493 686,252 773,705 2,737,582 
			 Yorkshire 611,577 285,752 433,621 1,466,264 1,366,338 4,163,552 
			 East Midlands 352,371 280,601 751,227 1,220,307 1,407,769 4,012,275 
			 East 192,187 110,187 539,809 1,067,285 1,189,251 3,098,719 
			 London 513,301 363,872 688,247 1,417,111 1,907,508 4,890,039 
			 South East 618,908 438,184 751,659 1,379,723 1,806,609 4,995,083 
			 South West 440,501 298,493 821,550 1,235,106 1,390,265 4,185,915 
			 West Midlands 617,549 381,465 842,088 1,108,167 1,337,765 4,287,034 
			 North West 667,646 334,608 660,103 1,020,177 1,687,361 4,369,894 
			 Total 4,401,196 2,810,138 6,061,796 10,600,391 12,866,572 36,740,092 
			
			  Lottery funding   
			 North East 12,672,549 4,648,613 17,872,578 4,366,968 5,116,671 44,677,379 
			 Yorkshire 14,206,113 19,857,835 15,264,774 11,774,228 10,616,141 71,719,091 
			 East Midlands 22,346,837 19,096,340 16,917,673 20,285,037 13,341,467 91,987,354 
			 East 24,425,931 13,030,007 14,256,874 9,897,743 13,282,294 74,892,849 
			 London 26,448,613 20,136,204 49,123,633 39,532,208 37,910,309 173,150,967 
			 South East 31,211,474 18,586,002 12,338,033 22,040,369 17,328,248 101,504,126 
			 South West 17,962,647 19,163,679 13,879,830 4,773,671 5,025,091 60,804,918 
			 West Midlands 15,525,528 8,801,762 16,863,954 11,628,186 11,166,683 63,986,113 
			 North West 22,783,812 24,276,474 38,357,852 33,594,879 12,650,915 131,663,932 
			 Total 187,583,504 147,596,916 194,875,201 157,893,289 126,437,819 681,546,729

Sports: Finance

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many reports relating to funding awards his Department and its agencies expect to receive from sports governing bodies in each year until 2010; how many staff his Department expects to allocate to processing these reports and analysing the findings in each year; and how much is allocated to fund that activity.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Department does not receive any such reports directly. DCMS receives assessments of the reports listed as follows within its framework of formal quarterly reviews of both UK Sport and Sport England. I meet with the chair of each body on an annual basis to discuss financial performance, including the outcome of these quarterly reviews. As such, DCMS allocates neither staff nor budgets exclusively to the processing or analysing of these reports.
	 UK Sport
	UK Sport requires each of its 24 funded sports to submit a plan for each four-year 'Olympic Cycle', expecting one plan from each funded NGB in autumn 2008 to cover the 2009-13 London cycle. In addition, each sport is asked by UK Sport to submit an annual budget and cash-flow, monitored on a quarterly basis.
	Each funded sport will submit one four-year plan, one annual budget, and four quarterly monitoring reports in 2008-09; and one annual budget and four quarterly monitoring reports in 2009-10.
	 Sport England
	Sport England requires each of the 35 governing bodies with Whole Sport Plan funding agreements to submit progress reports annually. Sport England also carries out quarterly reviews for each of these sports.
	The 26 governing bodies that receive Club Links and Step into Sport funding provide quarterly reports for each stream.
	The 31 governing bodies that receive Club and Coach Fund awards submit quarterly progress reports.
	The 19 governing bodies with clubs that are currently part of the Community Club Development Programme assist them in providing six-monthly progress reports.

Sports: Summertime

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the likely effect on participation rates in sport and outdoor recreation of introducing British summer time in winter.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There has been no research to assess the likely effect of introducing British summer time in winter on participation rates in sport and outdoor recreation.

VisitBritain: Finance

Nick Ainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much VisitBritain spent in each year since its establishment; how much it is budgeted to spend in each year of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review period; and what the percentage change  (a) was and  (b) is expected to be from each year to the next.

Margaret Hodge: Since its establishment, VisitBritain's total spending has been:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2003-04 65.9 
			 2004-05 61.5 
			 2005-06 68.4 
			 2006-07 70.1 
		
	
	The majority of this was grant-in-aid from DCMS, as follows (with percentage changes on the previous years):
	
		
			   £ million  Percentage 
			 2003-04 47.9 + 1.7 
			 2004-05 48.4 + 1.1 
			 2005-06 48.9 + 1.0 
			 2006-07 49.9 + 2.1 
		
	
	The rest of VisitBritain's spending for these years was funded by partnerships with the private sector for specific marketing campaigns, income from the visitor accommodation quality scheme, and other sources.
	Total spending for future years will depend on levels of non-DCMS income. VisitBritain's grant-in-aid funding for 2007-08 is £50.7 million, which includes £750,000 in additional funding for rural domestic tourism marketing following the July flooding.
	Grant-in-aid funding for the period covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review will be as follows (with percentage changes on the previous years):
	
		
			   £ million  Percentage 
			 2008-09 47.9 - 4.0 
			 2009-10 45.4 - 5.2 
			 2010-12 40.9 - 9.9

Wembley Stadium

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he had with the Football Association before the construction of Wembley Stadium on  (a) the provision of a roof and  (b) facilities within the stadium; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The history of my Department's involvement in the development of the Wembley Stadium project is well documented in a number of published reports including: English National Stadium Review Interim Report (December 2001)—HC 479; English National Stadium Review Final Report (October 2002)—HC 1179; The English national stadium project at Wembley—HC 699 Session 2002-03.
	The Lottery Funding Agreement between the English Sports Council, Wembley National Stadium Ltd. and the Football Association sets out the minimum standards required in relation to: the design and engineering of the stadium; the technical specifications of the playing area; facilities for participants and spectators; safety management; and communications.
	However, the detailed design specifications of the roof and facilities at Wembley Stadium are a matter for Wembley National Stadium Ltd. and the Football Association.

DEFENCE

Military Covenant

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had on the Government's observance of the military covenant.

Bob Ainsworth: The Defence Secretary has had numerous recent discussions on this important subject with Cabinet Colleagues, ex-service organisations and others. As part of the recently announced Service Personnel Command Paper discussions are being held with key stakeholders from the charity sector, service families' federations and across Government.

RAF Fylingdales and Menwith Hill

Robert Goodwill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future role of RAF Fylingdales and Menwith Hill in ballistic missile defence systems.

Des Browne: The early warning radar at RAF Fylingdales will process and pass on tracking data into both the UK's own US ballistic missile warning system, the US ballistic missile defence (BMD) system. RAF Menwith Hill will continue automatically to route information from US satellites but will now also pass this data into the US communications network for BMD. This data will also alert our own missile warning radar at RAF Fylingdales as part of its long-standing UK mission to provide missile attack warning.

Royal Navy

Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of the Royal Navy in operations abroad.

Bob Ainsworth: The Royal Navy and Royal Marines are considerably engaged in the current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
	The Royal Navy is also contributing to a wide range of standing and contingent military tasks, including the defence and security of overseas territories and contributing to the NATO Rapid Reaction Forces.
	Royal Marines routinely deploy on land operations.

Afghanistan: Languages

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British armed forces personnel have been trained in Afghan Persian, Dari, Pashto, Turkic and other languages of Afghanistan.

Des Browne: There are around 39 languages spoken in Afghanistan. 188 personnel have received training in Pashto and 56 personnel have received training in Dari, the two most significant languages for UK deployments. One individual has received training in Balochi. No training has been given in the other languages.

Afghanistan: Helmand Province

Quentin Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made by UK armed forces in Helmand Province over the last three months; and if he will make a statement.

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made by UK armed forces in Helmand Province over the last three months; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: UK forces have continued to clear the Taliban from the Gereshk and Sangin Valleys, and to provide the Afghan National Army with the training needed to take increasing responsibility for operations.
	Our forces are bringing security to an increasing proportion of Helmand's population and enabling the development work needed to improve their quality of life.

Armed Forces' Veterans

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve priority care for armed forces' veterans.

Derek Twigg: NHS priority treatment has been restricted to veterans with disablements accepted under our no fault compensation schemes as service-related. I am pleased to confirm the Health Secretary's announcement on 23 November that eligibility will now be extended to any veteran whose condition the general practitioner suspects is due to service. This will offer a significant enhancement to the veterans' health care and I welcome the decisions in Scotland and Wales to follow this lead.

Defence Industrial Strategy

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the second part of the Defence Industrial Strategy to be published.

Bob Ainsworth: We are currently reviewing the timetable for the publication of the updated Defence Industrial Strategy. I will inform the House of the rescheduled publication date in due course.

Submarine Fleet

Angela Watkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future size of the submarine fleet.

Bob Ainsworth: Our judgment remains as set out in the 2004 Defence White Paper, 'Delivering Security in a Changing World', that a fleet of eight of the current classes of attack submarines will be sufficient in the medium term to meet the full range of tasks. We expect to reduce to a fleet of eight attack submarines by December 2008.
	For the future, the more capable Astute submarines will represent a significant addition to the delivery of effects-based warfare. Our current planning assumption envisages an attack fleet of seven submarines after 2022, but this will remain subject to review. Over the next 15 years, attack submarine numbers will fluctuate between seven and eight as the Astute submarine replaces the Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines.

Menwith Hill

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of Menwith Hill for missile defence purposes.

Des Browne: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Goodwill).

Menwith Hill

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information the Government will receive from the US Administration on the operation of the US missile defence system in the event of missile engagements taking place that are wholly or partly informed by data from the radar at RAF Menwith Hill.

Des Browne: There is no radar at RAF Menwith Hill. The satellite early warning information which is routed through RAF Menwith Hill, is shared by the US and UK.

HMS Lancastria

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had on recognising the wreck of HMS Lancastria as a war grave.

Derek Twigg: During 2005 and 2006 the Ministry of Defence through the British embassy in Paris, discussed with the French authorities protection for the wreck of HMT Lancastria, which lies in French territorial waters and which we consider to be a military maritime grave. These discussions were positive and in the summer of 2006, the French authorities gave the wreck legal protection.

FRES

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest in-service date is for the Future Rapid Effect System.

Bob Ainsworth: It is our policy not to release or discuss planned in-service dates for equipment projects ahead of the main investment decision.

Military Casualties

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to improve continuity of care for wounded servicemen and women; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: We are always looking to improve the clinical, welfare and administrative care of wounded personnel. Earlier this year we created the Standing Joint Commander Medical post at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham to coordinate the operational patient pathway. A new Defence Patient Tracking System was launched on 8 October 2007 for patients evacuated to the UK, to ensure that they receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Iraq

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the capability of the Iraqi security forces in Basra province; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: Since taking on the primary role in providing security for Basra city, the Iraqi Security Forces have proved able to deal effectively and efficiently with security related incidents as they arise.
	As the Prime Minister of Iraq announced in October, the formal transfer of Basra province to Iraqi control is expected to take place later this month. This is in no small part due to the increased capability of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what level in his Department the decision by British military commanders to support district centres in northern Helmand province was approved; and whether the Prime Minister was aware of Governor Daud's request prior to deployment of British forces in support of their district centres.

Bob Ainsworth: Decisions on how UK forces are deployed in the military conduct of the ISAF mission in support of the government of Afghanistan are an operational matter. These decisions are taken by the military command structure in theatre supported by the permanent joint headquarters (PJHQ) in the United Kingdom. Ministers are informed and fully briefed on all key operational decisions by PJHQ and the Ministry of Defence as appropriate.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what new contributions to the International Security Assistance Force operational requirements of equipment, personnel and other resources have been provided since 19 September 2007 as called for in UN Security Council Resolution 1776.

Des Browne: Since 19 September there have been a number of new contributions pledged and provided by various nations. In the wake of the NATO Force Generation Conference (6-8 November) there have been renewals or further contributions made by 13 nations with a 14th pending political approval and a 15th under consideration. Capabilities committed have included Hercules transport aircraft, support helicopters and training teams for the Afghan National Army. The specific details are a matter for each individual country concerned.

Africa: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department's financial contribution will be to the EU military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic under the 2004 ATHENA mechanism.

Bob Ainsworth: Force generation for the EU military mission to Chad/Central African Republic has not yet been completed; therefore the EU Special Committee ATHENA has not yet screened and agreed a budget. I am therefore unable to say how much the Department's financial contribution will be to the mission.

Africa: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when EUFOR Chad/RCA will reach its full operational capacity.

Bob Ainsworth: Planning for the EU military operation to Chad/Central African Republic is ongoing and the EU Force has not yet deployed. The Operation Commander's assessment on obtaining Full Operational Capability cannot be made until the EU Force is established in theatre.

Africa: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any EU members have placed caveats or national restrictions on their military contribution to EUFOR-Althea.

Bob Ainsworth: The UK has placed no caveats or national restrictions on our military contribution for Op Althea. Any national caveats by other EU member states are classified and not normally available within the public domain. Individual member states may make their caveats public (for example as part of their national parliamentary process), but details of such public notifications are not declared to the EU or to other member states as a matter of course.

Air Force: Cadets

Phil Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for changes to the level of funding for the Air Cadets.

Derek Twigg: The MOD currently has no plans to change the funding of the Air Cadets.

Armed Forces: Cadets

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the likely effect on expenditure on minibuses by army cadet groups of the London low emissions zone in the first 12 months of its operation.

Derek Twigg: The minibuses operated by Army Cadet groups will not incur any additional charges in the first 12 months of the operation of the London low emissions zone. We are currently reviewing which vehicles may attract charges when charging for minibuses comes into effect in October 2010.

Armed Forces: Food

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average daily cost to the public purse was of food provided to a member of  (a) the Army,  (b) the Royal Navy and  (c) the Royal Air Force in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Bob Ainsworth: The average daily cost, known as the daily messing rate (DMR), is based on a "basket" of nearly 100 basic catering items, and is calculated on a quarterly basis by applying prices obtained from the MOD's food supply contractor to the appropriate ration scale. The DMRs for 1 October 2007 to 31 December 2007 are as follows:
	Army personnel: The DMR in their home posting is £1.63;
	Royal Navy personnel: The DMR in port is £1.78 (unless on duty watch, when 'at sea rates' apply);
	RAF personnel: The DMR at home bases is £1.63.
	For personnel on active duty, such as on exercise, on operations or at sea, the rate can rise to £2.69 per day. These apparently low amounts are achieved by the scale of purchase of the 'basket items1 and the associated economy of scale. Furthermore, DMR is the cost of the raw materials only and does not include transport or other costs.

Armed Forces: Housing

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many substitute service family accommodation properties were rented in each year since 1997.

Derek Twigg: The following table shows the number of substitute service family accommodation (SSFA) properties rented in each year since 1997.
	
		
			   Total number of properties rented during year 
			 1997 505 
			 1998 966 
			 1999 1,132 
			 2000 1,054 
			 2001 1,070 
			 2002 1,118 
			 2003 1,329 
			 2004 1,474 
			 2005 1,845 
			 2006 2,023 
			 2007 1,884 
		
	
	MOD is required to accommodate entitled personnel within 10 miles of their duty station (or 20 miles with permission of their service commander). Where no suitable service family accommodation can be found, SSFA is offered within the appropriate distance from a duty station.

Armed Forces: Housing

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the 50 most expensive substitute service family accommodation and substitute single living accommodation properties rented out in the last 12 months were.

Derek Twigg: The information requested will take time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Armed Forces: Pay

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what pay increases the armed forces have received in the last two years.

Bob Ainsworth: Increases in the pay of the armed forces, as recommended by the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body for 2006-07 and 2007-08, are shown in the following table. The table shows both the overall percentage increase in pay for service personnel and variations to this by individual rank groupings.
	
		
			  Financial year  Service pay increase (percentage)  Exceptions 
			 2007-08 3.3 9.4 per cent. for pay range 1, level 1 (higher and lower) and 6.2 per cent for pay range 1, level 2 (lower) 
			 2006-07 3.0 3.3 per cent for other ranks range 1 (lower), range 1, level 1 (higher)

Armed Forces: Widowed People

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces widows voluntarily surrendered their pensions on remarriage or cohabitation in each of the last five years; and what the associated saving to the defence budget was in each year.

Derek Twigg: An exercise is currently under way to provide detailed figures. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as this exercise is completed.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Contracts

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will name the prime contractors bidding for the Future Rapid Effect System contract; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The acquisition strategy for the future rapid effect system (FRES) is to establish an alliance, led by the Department and supported by a system of systems integrator (SOSI). The approved acquisition strategy involves a strong competitive element with an initial wave of three separate competitions to select a system of systems integrator (SOSI), a utility vehicle (UV) design and a UV integrator. An alliance construct, rather than a prime contractor is considered to be the most appropriate commercial arrangement to deliver
	FRES.
	A team of Thales and Boeing has been named as the preferred bidder in the SOSI competition and contract negotiations are under way.
	Three vehicle designs were selected to take part in the UV Design competition. The vehicle designs selected were BOXER (ARTEC, a German and Dutch joint venture company), PIRANHA (General Dynamics UK) and VBCI (Nexter).
	The UV Integrator competition is at the pre-qualification stage. Pre-qualification questionnaires were issued in October 2007 and responses are due to be returned by the end of November. One or more UV Integrators will be selected, by the end of March 2008, to go forward to the next stage. As we are in the midst of the UV Integrator competition, I am withholding the names of companies participating as their release would, or would be likely to prejudice commercial interests.

Army: Manpower

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost of expanding the size of the Army by three battalions.

Bob Ainsworth: It is not possible to provide any worthwhile estimate of the cost of an additional three battalions; the figures required to calculate this cost are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Expenditure is spread over a variety of budgets and will vary according to the composition of the battalion, the role to which it will attributed, the tasks in which it will be engaged and where it will be deployed.

Army: Recruitment

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list, by regiment, the extent of recruitment against targets for each year since 2000.

Derek Twigg: Officers are not recruited against regimental targets but against a whole Army requirement. It is only after completing officer training and commissioning that an officer joins a particular regiment. The information for targets and achievements against total officer recruiting for direct entry and professionally qualified officers is only recorded since 2002, and is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Direct entry  Professionally qualified officer 
			  2002-03   
			 Entered training 690 110 
			 Manning requirement 660 150 
			
			  2003-04   
			 Entered training 750 90 
			 Manning requirement 660 160 
			
			  2004-05   
			 Entered training 720 90 
			 Manning requirement 660 160 
			
			  2005-06   
			 Entered training 720 110 
			 Manning requirement 720 140 
			
			  2006-07   
			 Entered training 710 70 
			 Manning requirement 710 130 
		
	
	Similarly, soldiers are not recruited against regimental targets but against Arms and corps requirements. Information held centrally on targets and achievements for Soldier recruitment to arms and corps is shown as follows. Further detail could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			   2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			  Arm or corps  E  R  E  R  E  R  E  R  E  R  E  R 
			 HCAV — — — — 140 120 160 110 80 150 170 170 
			 RAC — — — — 570 550 270 280 600 550 630 630 
			 RA — — — — 990 950 620 670 750 1,040 970 1,030 
			 RE — — — — 1,060 1,160 820 930 1,450 1,350 1,340 1,370 
			 R Signals — — — — 1,010 870 740 840 750 770 750 870 
			 AAC — — — — 340 300 250 250 230 260 210 190 
			 RLC — — — — 2,300 2,500 2080 2,330 2,090 2,380 2,100 2,410 
			 AMS — — — — 440 360 390 350 380 470 430 450 
			 REME — — — — 1,420 1,120 1,060 1,020 1,250 1,030 1,290 1,060 
			 AGC — — — — 600 530 330 410 240 330 260 400 
			 Int Corps — — — — 110 110 100 110 150 160 160 160 
			 CA Music — — — — 50 110 40 90 20 80 40 70 
			 Infantry 4,490 5,160 4,950 4,270 4,630 4,480 3,410 4,150 3,450 4,150 4,310 4,260 
			  Notes: E—Enlisted R—Required HCAV—Household Cavalry RAC—Royal Armoured Corps RA—Royal Artillery RE—Royal Engineers R Signals—Royal Signals AAC—Army Air Corps RLC—Royal Logistics Corps AMS—Army Medical Services REME—Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers AGC—Adjutant General's Corps Int Corps—Intelligence Corps CA Music—Corps of Army Music 
		
	
	Statistics have been rounded to the nearest 10, numbers ending in five have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Army: Scotland

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of army troops was from  (a) Scottish regiments and  (b) the Royal Regiment of Scotland in each year since 2003.

Bob Ainsworth: While there are regiments which can be considered as having direct Scottish lineage, there is no single recognised definition of a 'Scottish Regiment'. I can, however, advise that since 2003, Regular Army units which recruit predominantly from, and are historically affiliated to, Scotland have represented roughly between 4 per cent. and 5 per cent. of the British Army.

Army: Scotland

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of army troops who have been injured or wounded  (a) by accident and  (b) in action in each year since 2003 was from (i) Scottish regiments and (ii) the Royal Regiment.

Derek Twigg: The information is not held in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Ballistic Missile Defence

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what public consultation was conducted before 25 July 2007 on the use of Menwith Hill as part of the US ballistic missile defence system.

Des Browne: The Ministry of Defence published a discussion document on missile defence in November 2002, ahead of a full debate in the House in 2003. The principles underlying ballistic missile defence, as they affect the UK, have not changed since then.

Ballistic Missile Defence

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his Czech and Polish counterparts on the US Ballistic Missile Defence programme; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: It is not the practice of the Government to make public details of all discussions with foreign Governments as this would, or would be likely to, prejudice international relations. However, the issue of missile defence is routinely discussed with our allies in a number of NATO forums.

Chief of the General Staff's Briefing Team Report 2007

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the Chief of the General Staff's Briefing Team Report 2007.

Des Browne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 November 2007,  Official Report, column 308W, to the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry).

Defence: European Union

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he had with his EU counterparts at the meeting of Defence Ministers in Brussels on 19 November 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: I refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe's written ministerial statement of 27 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 17-21WS.

Departmental Catering

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's total expenditure was on  (a) food services and  (b) food purchases as listed in his Department's resource account code hierarchy, in near cash terms, in each financial year since 2000-01.

Bob Ainsworth: The total resource costs of the expenditure items are set out in the following table:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Food Services  Food Purchases 
			 2000-01 69.2 124.6 
			 2001-02 74.2 130.5 
			 2002-03 89.5 142.5 
			 2003-04 98.7 172.6 
			 2004-05 87.5 147.9 
			 2005-06 93.4 149.3 
			 2006-07 94.0 180.0

Departmental Expenditure

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's total expenditure was on  (a) administration and  (b) administration claims, as listed in his Department's resource account code hierarchy, in near cash terms, in each financial year since 2000-01.

Bob Ainsworth: The total resource costs of the expenditure items are set out in the following table:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Administration  Administration Claims 
			 2000-01 138.2 4.7 
			 2001-02 167.3 6.3 
			 2002-03 161.1 5.2 
			 2003-04 189.4 10.3 
			 2004-05 188.5 27.9 
			 2005-06 191.1 18.5 
			 2006-07 189.8 22.4

Departmental Expenditure

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's total expenditure on welfare services, as listed in his Department's resource account code hierarchy, was in near cash terms in each financial year since 2000-01.

Bob Ainsworth: The total resource costs of the expenditure item are set out in the following table:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2000-01 12.7 
			 2001-02 16.2 
			 2002-03 17.8 
			 2003-04 16.8 
			 2004-05 18.5 
			 2005-06 18.3 
			 2006-07 18.9

Departmental Labour Turnover

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the percentage turnover of staff was in  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's agencies in (i) the last 12-month period and (ii) the last 24-month period for which figures are available.

Derek Twigg: The percentage turnover of Ministry of Defence civilian personnel within the Department for financial years 2005-06, 2006-07 and from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2007 are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   2005-06  2006-07  2005 to 2007( 1) 
			 MoD (excluding trading funds)(2) 10.7 11.7 11.2 
			 Trading funds 13.1 13.4 13.3 
			 MoD Total(2) 11.0 11.9 11.5 
			 (1) Turnover percentage for 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2007 is based on the annual average level of outflow for 2005-06 and 2006-07 divided by the weighted 25 month average strength. (2) Departmental totals exclude Royal Fleet auxiliary personnel and locally engaged civilians for whom outflow data is not available. 
		
	
	Information on outflows from individual Defence agencies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Land

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all land and properties in London that his Department  (a) rents,  (b) leases and  (c) owns, indicating in each case whether the property is used by (i) the Territorial Army and (ii) other services.

Derek Twigg: This information is not held in the form requested and will take time to collate and verify. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Departmental Manpower

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place a copy of his Department's civilian and military manpower capitation rates document for the latest available financial year in the Library.

Derek Twigg: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given in the other place by my noble Friend, Baroness Taylor of Bolton, to the noble Lord, Lord Astor of Hever on 20 November 2007,  Official Report,  House of Lords, column WA62.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Winter Supplementary Estimates, HC 29, if he will break down the revised provision by subhead in  (a) near cash and  (b) non-cash terms.

Bob Ainsworth: The following table provides a breakdown of the Requests for Resources of the Ministry of Defence Winter Supplementary Estimates 2007-08 HC, by subhead showing all categories of expenditure.
	
		
			  TLB  Estimate type  Winter Supplementary Estimates (£000) 
			 Commander-in-Chief Fleet Resource DEL near cash 2,200,097 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 1,548 
			  Capital DEL near cash 44,054 
			  Total DEL 2,245,699 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Commander-in-Chief Fleet  2,245,699 
			
			 Commander-in-Chief Land Command Resource DEL near cash 5,857,744 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 12,667 
			  Capital DEL near cash 217,493 
			  Total DEL 6,087,904 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Commander-in-Chief Land Command  6,087,904 
			
			 Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Command(1) Resource DEL near cash 2,702,476 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 2,353 
			  Capital DEL near cash 58,179 
			  Total DEL 2,763,008 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief RAF Strike Command  2,763,008 
			
			 Chief of Joint Operations Resource DEL near cash 407,833 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 3,239 
			  Capital DEL near cash 51,488 
			  Total DEL 462,560 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 3,599 
			  Total AME 3,599 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Chief of Joint Operations  466,159 
			
			 Adjutant-General Resource DEL near cash 774,189 
			  Resource DEL non-cash -92,230 
			  Capital DEL near cash 19,592 
			  Total DEL 701,551 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 9,314 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 9,314 
			 Total Adjutant-General  710,865 
			
			 Central Resource DEL near cash 2,138,516 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 132,053 
			  Capital DEL near cash -250 
			  Total DEL 2,270,319 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 3,899 
			  Total AME 3,899 
			  Non Budget near cash 750 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 750 
			 Total Central  2,274,968 
			
			 Science and Technology Resource DEL near cash 545,164 
			  Resource DEL non-cash -4,891 
			  Capital DEL near cash 0 
			  Total DEL 540,273 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Science and Technology  540,273 
			
			 Defence Estates Resource DEL near cash 1,038,281 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 1,562,269 
			  Capital DEL near cash -110,528 
			  Total DEL 2,490,022 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 3,141 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 1,904 
			  Total Non Budget 5,045 
			 Total Defence Estates  2,495,067 
			
			 Defence Equipment and Support Resource DEL near cash 6,796,242 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 9,000,691 
			  Capital DEL near cash 6,858,527 
			  Total DEL 22,655,460 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 83,696 
			  Total AME 83,696 
			  Non Budget near cash -4 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget -4 
			 Total Defence Equipment and Support  22,739,152 
			
			 Loans and grants Hydrographers Office Resource DEL near cash 0 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash -421 
			  Total DEL -421 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Loans and grants Hydrographers Office  -421 
			
			 Loans and grants DARA Resource DEL near cash 0 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash -55,812 
			  Total DEL -55,812 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Loans and grants DARA  -55,812 
			
			 Loans and grants ABRO Resource DEL near cash 0 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash -2,154 
			  Total DEL -2,154 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Loans and grants ABRO  -2,154 
			
			 Loans and grants Met Office Resource DEL near cash 0 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash 7,458 
			  Total DEL 7,458 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Loans and grants Met Office  7,458 
			
			 Total RfR1 Resource DEL near cash 22,460,542 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 10,617,699 
			  Capital DEL near cash 7,087,626 
			  Total DEL 40,165,867 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 91,194 
			  Total AME 91,194 
			  Non Budget near cash 13,201 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 1,904 
			  Total Non Budget 15,105 
			 Total RfR1  40,272,166 
			
			  Conflict Prevention RfR2   
			 Programme Sub Saharan Africa Resource DEL near cash 29,063 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash 0 
			  Total DEL 29,063 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Programme Sub Saharan Africa  29,063 
			
			 Programme Rest of the World Resource DEL near cash 1,330,240 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash 604,000 
			  Total DEL 1,934,240 
			  AME near cash 0 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 0 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total Programme Rest of the World  1,934,240 
			
			 Total Conflict Prevention RfR2  1,963,303 
			
			  War Pensions and Benefits RfR3   
			 War Pensions Programme costs Resource DEL near cash 0 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash 0 
			  Total DEL 0 
			  AME near cash 1,026,482 
			  AME non cash 25 
			  Total AME 1,026,507 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total War Pensions Programme costs  1,026,507 
			
			 War Pensions Programme costs, Far East Prisoners of War Resource DEL near cash 0 
			  Resource DEL non-cash 0 
			  Capital DEL near cash 0 
			  Total DEL 0 
			  AME near cash 500 
			  AME non cash 0 
			  Total AME 500 
			  Non Budget near cash 0 
			  Non Budget non cash 0 
			  Capital Non-Budget 0 
			  Total Non Budget 0 
			 Total War Pensions Programme costs, Far East Prisoners of War  500 
			
			 Total War Pension and Allowances  1,027,007 
			
			 MOD total  43,262,476 
			 (1) Commander-in-Chief Air Command was created from the former Strike and Personnel and Training Command TLBs.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the winter supplementary estimates, HC 29, what the source is of the £55 million operating income not appropriated in aid; for what reasons the direct resource departmental expenditure limit will increase by that amount; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: The £55 million operating income is deposited in bank accounts which have not yet been brought to vote. These are subject to end year flexibility (EYF) arrangements where the Treasury have agreed that the Department can draw these funds down as additional Direct RDEL.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the winter supplementary estimates HC 29, for what reasons he plans to transfer £455 million from capital departmental expenditure limit (DEL) to resource DEL; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: The requested transfer of £455 million from Capital to Resource DEL reflects forecast actual spending patterns in the Department's operating costs, such as increased fuel prices.

Departmental Publicity

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by his Department on advertising in the last 12 months.

Derek Twigg: The amount spent on armed forces recruitment advertising in financial year 2006-07 was as follows:
	
		
			  Force  Amount spent on recruitment advertising (£ million) 
			 Naval service 4.828 
			 Army 23.248 
			 RAF 4.344 
		
	
	Details of civilian recruitment advertising costs are not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate costs.
	Advertising costs in financial year 2006-07 with regard to raising awareness of veterans issues were £62,970.
	It should be noted that the aforementioned figures take no account of Departmental PR activities.

Directorate of Targeting and Information Operations

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the work of the directorate of targeting and information operations; and who the members of the group are.

Des Browne: The role of the directorate of targeting and information operations is to provide the policy lead and strategic direction for military targeting, rules of engagement and information operations. It has a staff of 83.

EU Countries: Military Exercises

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what exercises UK armed forces are committed to with European Union formations for the next 18 months; and which such exercises they have participated in over the last 12 months.

Des Browne: There are no standing European Union military formations and the European Union does not conduct military exercises apart from headquarters level planning exercises. Two UK staff officers were involved in a planning exercise in 2007 and on similar level of involvement is envisaged in 2008.

EU Defence Policy

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to which European Union formations UK armed forces have a potential obligation; and on what scale.

Des Browne: There are no standing European Union military formations. All forces are, volunteered by member states on a case-by-case basis.
	The EU mission Operation Althea continues in Bosnia Herzegovina and the UK fills 10 posts in the headquarters. The UK, along with Germany and Italy, is providing the NATO pan-Balkans Operational Reserve Force until the end of 2008.
	Under standing augmentation procedures, the UK has provided four staff officers to the headquarters for the proposed ESDP mission to Chad. These staff are currently in France.
	The UK has also volunteered to provide one of the two EU Battle Groups on standby in the second half of 2008. The UK and the Netherlands have offered to provide an EU Battlegroup on standby from January to June 2010.
	Battlegroups would only deploy on operations following a unanimous decision from all 27 EU member states.
	The UK Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) at Northwood is one of five national operational headquarters declared available for EU military operations. PJHQ will host and provide technical and administrative support, including trained core staff, for the Nordic Battle Group on standby between January and June 2008. The UK has offered the same facility for the Polish-led Battle Group in the first half of 2010.

EU Rapid Reaction Force: Aviation

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the status is of the EU's Air Rapid Reaction Force; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: There is no EU Air Rapid Reaction Force.
	As part of their collective commitment to the EU's Headline Goal 2010 process, member states undertook to develop the ability rapidly to generate forces to support EU-led operations. The EU Military Committee is currently discussing proposals to identify for planning purposes, air assets that member states might make available at short notice to support EU led crisis management operations.

Ex-servicemen: Hearing Impaired

Robert Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to allocating resources to the provision of new techniques for assessing hearing deterioration among former military personnel.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 29 November 2007
	In line with generally accepted current practice, pure tone audiometry is the main method used to inform determination of claims for hearing loss by former military personnel under the War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes. Pure tone audiometry is undertaken to quality assured standards by suitably trained technicians. Where the test is considered unreliable, unrepeatable or in some other way unrepresentative of true hearing level, other tests may be used such as evoked response audiometry.

Ex-servicemen: Hearing Impaired

Robert Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will  (a) initiate a review of and  (b) publish the evidence his Department uses when considering hearing tribunals for former military personnel.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The approach used by the Department in the assessment of noise-induced hearing loss for the purposes of the War Pension Scheme was upheld by an independent expert review in 1998-99 and further endorsed by the November 2002 Industrial Injuries Advisory Council report on occupational deafness. The audiological literature is kept under review including research on technical aspects of, and new approaches to, hearing loss assessment and possible application to MOD's no fault compensation schemes. The scheme rules governing the assessment of noise induced sensorineural hearing loss are currently in article 42 of and part VI of schedule 1 to the Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 2006.

Hacking

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many instances of cyber-attacks on his Department's  (a) public internet website,  (b) non-classified intranet,  (c) classified intranet,  (d) non-classified e-mail system and  (e) classified e-mail system were reported in each month since 2005; and what the circumstances were of each incident.

Bob Ainsworth: It would not be in the interests of the UK's national security for MOD to confirm whether it holds information about attacks against its IT systems as this would enable individuals to deduce how successful the Department is in detecting these attacks.

Information Strategy Co-ordination Group

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the work of the Information Strategy Co-ordination Group; and who the members of the group are.

Des Browne: The Information Strategy Co-ordination Group had a mandate to initiate and oversee information strategies for operations and other areas of UK defence interest. Membership comprised the Director General Operational Policy, Director of Targeting and Information Operations, the MOD Media Operations and Press cells, representatives of the Permanent Joint Headquarters and other Government departments as appropriate. The group last met in December 2006. Its work has been taken over by other internal MOD and inter-departmental bodies.

Iraq Conflict: Legal Opinion

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the private legal advice obtained by armed forces chiefs prior to the invasion of Iraq.

Des Browne: We hold no such advice.

Iraq: Medals

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will amend the regulations for the award of campaign medals to members of the armed forces who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan to enable indication of the number of multiple deployments which have been undertaken.

Derek Twigg: There are no plans to amend the regulations for the Iraq campaign medal and operational service medal Afghanistan to recognise multiple tours. To acknowledge that armed forces personnel are returning to theatres of operation where they have already received a campaign medal the accumulated campaign service medal was introduced in January 1994. The medal recognises long campaign service rendered by members of the armed forces since 14 August 1969. It is awarded to holders of the general service medal 1962, the operational service medal, British campaign medals and approved medals instituted by other recognised organisations for multinational operations, on completion of 36 months accumulated campaign service, after first qualifying for the appropriate medal. A clasp is awarded for each subsequent period of 36 months accumulated campaign service.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether all British forward field hospitals in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan have CT scanners; and how many each forward field hospital has.

Derek Twigg: In Iraq, the UK has one Role 2 (Enhanced) field hospital, located at the contingency operating base, Basra. In Afghanistan, it has one Role 2 (Enhanced) field hospital at camp bastion, the UK military base in Helmand Province. Both have a CT scanner, which is sufficient to meet current and projected requirements.
	In both Iraq and Afghanistan, CT scanners are available at other coalition medical facilities, and these may be used in treating UK casualties if it is more convenient to do so.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of Army troops who  (a) are and  (b) have been on operational deployment in Iraq during the month of August in each year since 2003 is from (i) Scottish regiments and (ii) the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Bob Ainsworth: Historical data to support the calculation of the proportion of the total number of Army personnel who have been on operational deployment to Iraq during the month of August since 2003 and who are from particular units are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	There is no single definition of a 'Scottish Regiment'. However, there are units which can be considered as having direct Scottish lineage, i.e. the battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, 40 Regiment Royal Artillery and 1st Battalion The Scots Guards. Of these, the following have, since 2003, been deployed in Iraq during the month of August as formed regular army units:
	
		
			   Unit deployed to Iraq 
			 2005 19 RA 
			 2003 40 RA 
			 2003 1 Scots (KOSB) 
			 2005 2 Scots (RHF) 
			 2004 3 Scots (BW)

Members: Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Minister for Veterans will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 14 September (reference: MC04936/2007).

Derek Twigg: I replied to the hon. Member on 28 November. I apologise for the delay.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the 10-year projected budget was for  (a) helicopter procurement and  (b) the Future Rotorcraft capability in each year since 1997.

Bob Ainsworth: The 10 year projected budget for helicopter procurement and the element of this reported under the Future Rotorcraft Capability programme is shown as follows.
	
		
			  Nearest £100 million 
			   Total forward forecast helicopter procurement  Future Rotorcraft Capability element 
			 2001-02 3,900 — 
			 2002-03 4,300 — 
			 2003-04 4,300 — 
			 2004-05 4,200 — 
			 2005-06 4,300 4,000 
			 2006-07 RY RY 
			 2007-08 5,600 4,100 
			 RY = Review Year  —no formal recosting of the future budget took place. 
		
	
	These figures include funding for the introduction of new helicopters into service and to undertake significant modification programmes such as midlife enhancements or life extension activities; they do not include funding for emergent urgent requirements and separately funded commodity items. Figures prior to 2001 are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The figures for financial years 2001-02 and 2002-03 are presented in accordance with previous accounting policies within the Department and reflect cash flows rather than the accrued value of the programme. Direct comparison of these costs with subsequent forecasts is not advised.

Netherlands: International Co-operation

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the status is of plans to create a UK/Netherlands EU battlegroup; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: The UK and the Netherlands have offered to provide an EU battlegroup on standby from January to June 2010. The battlegroup will come from the existing UK/Netherlands Amphibious Landing Force.

Nuclear Responsibilities

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1033W, on nuclear responsibilities, what assessment he has made of the contribution the nuclear non-proliferation treaty has made towards nuclear disarmament.

Des Browne: The nuclear non-proliferation treaty makes an invaluable and irreplaceable contribution to multilateral nuclear disarmament and is the cornerstone of UK policy in this area. All actions that the UK undertakes on nuclear disarmament are concomitant to our legal obligations under Article VI of that treaty, which are equally applicable to the other recognised nuclear weapons states. The White Paper on The Future of the UK's Nuclear Deterrent (Cm 6994), published in December 2006, set out the UK's record on nuclear disarmament and announced the reduction of operationally available warheads to fewer than 160, which has now been achieved.
	The NPT has now achieved near universality and includes states which renounced their nuclear weapons programmes when they joined the NPT as non-nuclear weapons states. We continue to call upon those remaining states outside the NPT to accede as non-nuclear weapons states.

Nuclear Weapons

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings have taken place between UK and US officials on concept studies for the development of a new missile system to replace Trident with particular reference to the underwater launched missile system in the last three years.

Des Browne: Since the vote in this House on the future of the UK nuclear deterrent on 14 March 2007, there have been three meetings of the Joint Steering Task Group that oversees the execution of the Polaris sales agreement. Concept studies for the development of a new underwater launched missile system have been discussed by officials at those meetings.

Reserve Forces: Pay

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) Army Cadet force instructors and  (b) Reserve officers on the Army unposted list are owed arrears of pay for a period of more than one month; and what the total of these arrears is.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 29 November 2007
	There are no systemic problems with the joint personnel administration (JPA) system affecting the pay of Army Cadet Force instructors and Reserve officers on the Army unposted list.
	We are, however, aware of 45 Territorial Army personnel formerly on the unposted list who, because they were not on the established strength of a unit, may have experienced delays in receiving their pay. All have now been assigned to a unit and payment via the JPA system can be made. Details of how long arrears of pay may have been due, and the amounts involved are not held and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Where payment cannot be made via the JPA system, arrangements are in place for individuals to receive cash payments at unit level.

Service Personnel and Veterans Agency: Location

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the  (a) cost and  (b) effect on future expenditure of moving the Services Personnel and Veterans Agency from RAF Innsworth to HMS Centurian, Gosport; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: I have yet to receive the Business Case in support of the recent study into the future accommodation requirements of the Service; Personnel and Veterans Agency.

Sick Leave: Dismissal

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff in his Department  (a) were disciplined and  (b) had their employment terminated as a result of a poor sickness record in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: Staff are not disciplined as the result of their poor sick record. Under the Department's restoring efficiency procedures, measures are applied to restore and maintain acceptable levels of attendance and deal with staff whose excessive sickness absence and attendance record has become a cause for concern. Employment can be terminated where patterns of irregular attendance from staff becomes unacceptable or where long term sickness absence persists and there is no prospect of a regular return to work. Staff also have their employment terminated when they are medically assessed as being so unwell in the longer term that ill-health retirement is approved. A new method of recording the termination of employment in the above circumstances was introduced in 2003 on a gradual basis. The data for 2003 are therefore unreliable. Data from 2004 until November 2007 are as follows:
	
		
			  Termination of employment for:  2004  2005  2006  2007  Total 
			 Irregular attendance 72 79 64 43 258 
			 Long term sickness absence 59 73 59 48 239 
			 Ill-health retirement 208 193 158 116 675 
			 Grand total 339 345 281 207 1,172

Special Boat Squadron: Pay

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when he expects the Special Boat Service personnel serving in Afghanistan to receive their full pay;
	(2)  when the Specialist Pay Team last paid the salaries of the Special Boat Service in Afghanistan;
	(3)  what steps he has taken with the Specialist Pay Team to ensure the payment of the full salaries of the Special Boat Service in Afghanistan.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 29 November 2007
	Problems have been identified with the specialist pay components of total salary for a small number of members of the Special Boat Service. This is very much regretted. I have asked for the issues to be investigated and I will write to the hon. Member when the investigation is complete.

Submarines

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a decision has been taken to reduce the size of the attack submarine fleet below the planned total of eight.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 19 November 2007
	 Our judgment remains as set out in the 2004 Defence White Paper, "Delivering Security in a Changing World", that a fleet of eight of the current classes of attack submarines will be sufficient in the medium term to meet the full range of tasks. We expect to reduce to a fleet of eight attack submarines by December 2008.
	For the future, the more capable Astute submarines will represent a significant addition to the delivery of effects-based warfare. Our current planning assumption envisages an attack fleet of seven submarines after 2022, but this will remain subject to review. Over the next 15 years, attack submarine numbers will fluctuate between seven and eight as the Astute submarine replaces the Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines.

Territorial Army: Pay

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he approved the policy that the Territorial Army training bounty was a payment in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: The annual training bounty is not a direct substitute for pension and takes into account a variety of factors. However, the relationship between pensions and bounty has been recognised for many years. For example, the 1978 Report of the Committee on the Study of Wastage in the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve (TAVR) headed by Major General P Shapland CB MBE stated:
	"The Committee has discussed the possibility of replacing all or part of the bounty with either a Pension or a Long Service Gratuity and has concluded that neither are suitable for the TAVR."
	In a recent employment tribunal it was held that the exclusion of the reserve forces from the armed forces pension scheme was objectively justified in respect of members of those forces undertaking Man Training Days. All forms of reserve service other than Man Training Days are pension earning.

Trident: Finance

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated annual maintenance cost of the Trident weapons system is expected to be in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) each year until 2024.

Des Browne: The annual expenditure for capital and running costs of the current Trident nuclear deterrent, including costs for the Atomic Weapons Establishment, is expected to be around £1,500 million in 2007-08 and 2008-09, some 5 per cent. of the defence budget, and around £1,700 million in 2009-10 and 2010-11, some 5&frac14; per cent. of the defence budget. Spending plans for subsequent years will be set as part of the Government's spending review process.

United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which private stakeholders his Department has met to discuss the review of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office.

Derek Twigg: The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is a trading fund within the Ministry of Defence. Departments routinely carry out reviews of trading funds from time to time as part of the ownership role. In February 2007, I announced that we would carry out a review of the structural and ownership options for the United Kingdom Hydro graphic Office (UKHO). This is due to report at the end of the year.
	I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 12 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 54-55W, outlining the number of private stakeholders the study team, led by members of the MOD, have met to discuss the review of the UKHO. These include trade associations, the Chart and Nautical Instrument Trade Association (CNITA) and the Locus Association, and 14 other private sector industry participants; these were:
	The Landmark Information Group,
	Transas Limited,
	Serco,
	Amey,
	Kelvin Hughes,
	Furuno,
	Vanos SA,
	Bogerd Martin,
	Safmarine Container Lines,
	Farstad Shipping Ltd,
	McKeil Marine,
	GasChem Services,
	Brostrom Tankers SA,
	Dorchester Maritime.

United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many submissions from private sector companies the team carrying out the review of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office has received.

Derek Twigg: The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is a Trading Fund within the Ministry of Defence. Departments routinely carry out reviews of trading funds from time to time as part of the ownership role. In February 2007, I announced that we would carry out a review of the structural and ownership options for the United Kingdom Hydro graphic Office (UKHO). This is due to report at the end of the year.
	During the course of the study four private sector companies wrote to us expressing their views, and in addition we received two detailed submissions from the Chart and Nautical Instrument Trade Association (CNITA) and Transas Limited. The study team met with a further 12 private sector organisations.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Citizens' Juries

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the guidelines were for the operation of citizens' juries in the 2006-07 Policy Review; and what the guidelines are for the operation of the citizens' juries announced by the Prime Minister on 3 September; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Miliband: The public engagement strand of the Policy Review gave a representative group of the population the opportunity to discuss in deliberative forums key issues around the future of public services. Ipsos MORI was engaged to manage the process including recruiting the population sample, developing stimulus material and running the events. Further information about the forums is available on the Cabinet Office website at the following address:
	http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/policy_review/public_engagement/index.asp.
	The Prime Minister announced on 3 September that a number of citizens' juries would be held around the country to bring citizens together to discuss a broad range of issues and potential solutions. Government Departments are leading on arrangements for their own citizens' juries.

Data Protection

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what  (a) procedures and  (b) protocols govern the transfer of personal data between central Government departments and (i) other Government departments, (ii) local authorities and (iii) other Government agencies.

Edward Miliband: holding answer 26 November 2007
	 I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  what reviews have been undertaken of the Cabinet Office's rules on data protection in the last two years; if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the last review of the Cabinet Office's compliance with data protection laws; and if the Office will undertake a review of its compliance with data protection laws;
	(2)  on how many occasions in the Cabinet Office confidential data have been downloaded on to compact discs  (i) without and  (ii) with encryption in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; how many of those discs have been posted without using recorded or registered delivery; what procedures the Office has in place for the (A) transport, (B) exchange and (C) delivery of confidential or sensitive data; what records are kept of information held by the Office being sent outside the Office; what changes have been made to the Office's rules and procedures on data protection in the last two years; on how many occasions the Office's procedures and rules on data protection have been breached in the last five years; what those breaches were; what procedures the Office has in place on downloading confidential data on to computer discs before its transfer; what technical protections there are in the Office's computer systems to prevent access to information held on those systems which is not in accordance with departmental procedures; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each of the Office's rules and procedures on the protection of confidential data on individuals, businesses and other organisations;
	(3)  how many employees of each grade in the Cabinet Office  (a) have access to confidential or sensitive data and  (b) are authorised to download such data to disc; how many of the Office's employees have undergone data protection training in the last 12 months; what the average length of time is that each employee of the Office has spent on data protection training; how many investigations of employees of the Office for improperly accessing confidential information have taken place in the last 12 months; how many such investigations resulted in cases of disciplinary action; and what the circumstances of each of those cases were.

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he proposes to review how the Cabinet Office transports data; and whether the Cabinet Office uses TNT to transport data.

Nigel Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  how many confirmed data security breaches there have been in the Cabinet Office in the last 36 months; and what action was taken after each occurrence;
	(2)  how many confirmed data security breaches there have been in  (a) the Prime Minister's Office and  (b) the Leader of the House's Office in the last 36 months; and what action was taken after each occurrence.

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what procedures are in place in the Cabinet Office to ensure that personal information relating to members of the public is  (a) stored and  (b) transported securely.

Edward Miliband: I refer the right hon. and hon. Members to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether salaries have been paid from the public purse to  (a) Bob Shrum and  (b) Stan Greenberg since 27 June.

Edward Miliband: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) on 30 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 1075-76W. I can also confirm that Mr. Stan Greenberg has not received a salary from the Cabinet Office or 10 Downing street since 27 June.

Downing Street Political Office

Francis Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what role the administrator of the Downing Street Political Office will play in arranging events  (a) on Government property and  (b) in Government facilities.

Gordon Brown: I have been asked to reply.
	As was the practice under previous administrations and in accordance with the Ministerial Code, I have hosted a number of political events at Downing street. The costs for these events are met by the Labour Party.

National Youth Volunteer Service: Finance

James Brokenshire: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what value of funds has been spent on the National Youth Volunteer Service by the private sector since January 2006.

Phil Hope: Since the youth-led volunteering charity v was established in May 2006, it has received pledges from the private sector totalling over £30 million. Of this amount, v has drawn down £8.4 million of the private sector funding, with a further £8.4 million match-funded by Government.

Russell Commission: Grants

Michael Penning: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which organisations have received grants from the Russell Commission since March 2006; what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of those grants in enabling organisations to increase volunteering by young people; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Hope: The independent charity v was set up in May 2006 to implement recommendations of the 2005 Russell Commission report into youth action and engagement. The Office of the Third Sector has regular meetings with v to monitor progress against these targets.
	Details of the organisations v has commissioned to provide short-term, part-time and full-time volunteering opportunities are set out in press releases published by v on 24 July 2006; 27 September 2006; and 26 March 2007 which are available on v's website at www.wearev.com.
	In addition, through the Match Fund scheme, v has partnered with the private sector and has paid out £8.4 million to a further 73 organisations to generate volunteering opportunities for young people. Taken together, the total number of volunteering opportunities commissioned has now reached 210,000.
	Through vcashpoint, a youth-led initiative to help young people aged 16-25 to set up their own community projects, v has awarded grants of up to £2,500 to 72 projects.
	Last week v unveiled the organisations who will receive £75 million funding through its new national youth volunteering programme, vinvolved starting in April 2008. This is the first time that there will be a nationwide network of people and organisations focused on youth volunteering.

Voluntary Organisations: Finance

Greg Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the projects which were approved under the Millennium Volunteer programme but which will no longer be funded from April 2008.

Phil Hope: v, an independent charity, made the decisions about future funding for Millennium Volunteers projects through an open and transparent commissioning process. To date over 200 third sector organisations have received funding through vinvolved. Sixty out of the 95 organisations will receive funding through vinvolved. Details of the successful organisations are available on v's website at
	www.wearev.com.
	The following organisations currently providing MV projects did not make any application for funding through vinvolved or were unsuccessful at the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage:
	1. Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
	2. CEDAR Projects
	3. Dearne Valley Venture
	4. Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
	5. Family Education Development Trust
	6. Hackney Voluntary Action
	7. Henshaws Society for Blind People
	8. Leeds College of Technology
	9. Nottingham City Council
	10. Read on Write Away
	11. Sports volunteering North West
	12. Stoke on Trent College
	13. Student Community Action Newcastle (SCAN)
	14. Studentforce for Sustainability
	15.Torridge Voluntary Services
	16.Wandsworth Voluntary Sector Development Agency
	17. Wycombe Youth Action
	18. Youth Voice
	The following organisations currently providing MV were unsuccessful at full application stage. However, this list is subject to change as in 14 local areas, v was unable to appoint vinvolved teams, v will be inviting the following organisations to reapply along with others through their further application process, details will be available on v's website week beginning 3 December 2007.
	19. BVSC
	20. Citizens Advice
	21. DISC
	22. EcoLocal
	23. Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre
	24. Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency
	25. Oxfordshire Children and Voluntary Youth Services
	26. Southend Association of Voluntary Services
	27. St. Thomas Community Network
	28. University of Birmingham Guild of Students
	29. Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets
	30. Wakefield Council
	31. Watford and District YMCA
	The following organisations will not (at this stage) receive funding through vinvolved but have been named in bids as strategic partners:
	32. Blackpool Council (Integrated Youth Service)
	33. Connexions Somerset Ltd.
	34. Southwark Council
	35. Worcestershire County Council Youth Service

WOMEN AND EQUALITY

Departmental Foreign Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and  (b) non-EU foreign nationals are employed by her Office.

Barbara Follett: The Government Equalities Office is currently in the process of establishing itself as a separate department. In the interim, its personnel records are held by the Department of Communities and Local Government. Although DCLG check information to ensure people who apply for posts here are eligible to work, they do not record their nationality on their staff directory database.

TRANSPORT

Airports: Baggage

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  when she expects passengers using  (a) Birmingham,  (b) Bristol,  (c) Glasgow,  (d) Edinburgh and  (e) Manchester airports to be allowed to take more than one item of hand luggage on their journey;
	(2)  when she expects passengers using  (a) Heathrow,  (b) Gatwick,  (c) Stansted and  (d) Luton airports to be allowed to take more than one item of hand luggage with them on their journey;
	(3)  when she expects passengers using  (a) Newcastle and  (b) Cardiff airports to be allowed to take more than one item of hand luggage on their journey.

Jim Fitzpatrick: My right hon. Friend's written statement of 14 November explained that airports may permit passengers to carry more than one item of hand luggage from 7 January 2008, provided they have been able to show that they have in place the screening capacity needed to handle the additional bags without any adverse impact on the standard of security achieved. It is now the responsibility of each airport to bring its plans to the Department for approval, as and when it is ready to do so.

Airports: Immigration Controls

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with the Home Secretary on waiting times for immigration at  (a) Heathrow and  (b) other UK airports.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Secretary of State has regular contact with Home Office Ministers to discuss ways in which the passenger experience at our major airports, including at immigration, can be improved.
	"Improving the Air Passenger Experience" published on 21 November 2007, set out what Government are doing to improve end-to-end passenger journeys.

Airports: Police

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the main features are of the police services agreement for designated airports; what costs are expected to arise from it; and upon whom these costs will fall.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Police service agreements need to specify the level of policing to be provided at each designated airport, to be determined following consultation with other security stakeholders, including industry, HM Revenue and Custom and the Border and Immigration Agency. They shall also specify the payments to be made by the airport manager in connection with that policing, and any accommodation and facilities to be provided by the manager.

Airports: Security

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Prime Minister's statement of 14 November on national security, from which airports passengers will be allowed to fly with more than one item of hand luggage in 2008; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: My right hon. Friend's written statement of 14 November explained that airports will be allowed to make changes to the one bag rule from 7 January 2008. Airport authorities are working with their key stakeholders (including airlines) to complete proposals which seek the Department's approval for the removal of the one cabin bag regulation at their airport. They will need to be able to show that they will have in place the screening capacity to be able to handle the additional cabin bags, whether by the use of new technology and procedures, or by deploying extra staff or other resources.

Cars

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the number of car miles travelled in  (a) 1997 and  (b) 2006; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Annual total car vehicle kilometres for 1997 and 2006 are available in Table 7.2 of Transport Statistics Great Britain 2007. This publication is available in the House of Commons Library or online at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/tsgb/2007edition/.

Departmental Consultants

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department has spent on consultants in each of the past five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Details of expenditure by the Department on consultants in each of the past five financial years is as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2002-03 227.5 
			 2003-04 239.5 
			 2004-05 193.3 
			 2005-06 72.1 
			 2006-07 82.9 
		
	
	The business units within the Department currently use separate accounting systems which record expenditure differently. The totals include either the value of purchase orders raised or actual spend incurred. Purchase order values record the anticipated spend level, but the actual invoice value for completed work may differ and could be paid in a future financial year.
	The Professional Services Forum definition of consultancy has been applied since 2005-06 resulting in more accurate coding of expenditure.

Departmental Correspondence

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of inquiries received by her Department from the public were responded to within  (a) one week,  (b) 14 days,  (c) 28 days,  (d) two months and  (e) three months in the last period for which figures are available; and in what percentage of cases it took (i) over three months and (ii) over one year to respond.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Cabinet Office publishes a report to Parliament on an annual basis on the performance of Departments in replying to Members/Peers correspondence. The report for 2006 was published by way of a written ministerial statement on 28 March 2007,  Official Report, column 101W. Information for 2007 will be published as soon as it is ready after the end of the calendar year.
	Information on handling correspondence from the public is not held in the required format.

Departmental Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what land surplus to her Department's requirements it is  (a) selling,  (b) leasing and  (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The requested information has been placed in the Library of the House.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the office costs for her Department's special advisers for 2007-08 are expected to be, including costs of support staff; and how many full-time equivalent civil servants work in support of such special advisers.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Two civil servants support the special advisers to the Secretary of State for Transport. Both provide support of a non-political nature in accordance with the code of conduct for special advisers.
	Individual civil servants' salary details are not disclosed in order to protect the privacy of the individual concerned. Office costs will be accounted for in the 2007-08 departmental annual report and accounts.

Departmental Publicity

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department and its agencies spent on managing their corporate identities in the last 12 month period for which figures are available.

Jim Fitzpatrick: In the financial year 2006-07 the Department's agencies spent £205,000 on work related to maintaining corporate identities. More than £90,000 relates to preventing internet fraud at DVLA.

Departmental Special Advisers

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who the special advisers in her Department are; what expertise each has; and what the cost of employing them was in the latest year for which figures are available.

Jim Fitzpatrick: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 147-150WS.

Driving: Disabled

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will assess the viability of a temporary system of disability permits for those suffering from short-term limiting conditions lasting less than the three years required for receipt for the Blue Badge.

Rosie Winterton: The Department recently conducted an independent strategic review of the Blue Badge Scheme which considered, among other things, who should be eligible for a badge and the issue of temporary disability. We will outline our plans in this area in a comprehensive Blue Badge Reform Strategy, which is due for publication by spring 2008.

Excise Duties

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people renewed their vehicle excise duty online in  (a) 2006 and  (b) 2007 to date.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested is as follows.
	3,793,557 people renewed their car tax online in 2006.
	7,432,852 people renewed their car tax online up to 30 October 2007.

Exhaust Emissions

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate her Department has made of the number of cars in  (a) England and  (b) London which are in emissions bands (i) G, (ii) C-F and (iii) A-B.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The number of cars licensed (in thousands) at the end of December 2006 in London and England were as follows:
	
		
			   All Cars  Band  G  Band C-F  Band A-B 
			 London 2,569 14 1,049 21 
			 England 23,612 113 11,162 312

Haven Gateway Partnership

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings  (a) she and  (b) her officials have had with (i) Haven Gateway Partnership and (ii) lobbyists engaged by Haven Gateway Partnership in the last 12 months.

Jim Fitzpatrick: There have been no ministerial meetings with the Haven Gateway Partnership in the past 12 months. Representatives from the Highways Agency have attended two Haven Gateway Transport sub group meetings, and three Transport Forum meetings.
	The partnership comprises a range of bodies and Ministers and officials will have met representatives from the individual bodies represented in the partnership in the course of regular business.

Health Insurance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many officials in  (a) her Department and  (b) each of its agencies have private health insurance provided as part of their employment package.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Only one employee in the Central Department receives private health insurance as part of their employment package. None of the Department's agencies provide this employee benefit.

Heathrow Airport

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many extra flights she has estimated will pass through the airspace of each London borough if a third runway is built at Heathrow Airport per  (a) hour,  (b) week and  (c) year;
	(2)  if she will place in the Library information on the proposed flightpaths that would be created to serve a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The aircraft routes for a third runway and mixed mode within the vicinity of Heathrow are only indicative and it is therefore not possible at this stage to state how many flights would pass through the airspace of each London borough.
	The indicative flight paths are shown in the consultation document "Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport", Figures 8-11 and 19-20. These figures give an estimated overview of the average number of daily departures and arrivals across the affected airspace.
	A copy of this document has been placed in the Library and is available on the Department for Transport's website:
	www.dft.gov.uk/heathrowconsultation

Ports

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings  (a) she and  (b) her officials have had with (i) Hutchinson Ports and (ii) lobbyists engaged by Hutchinson Ports in the last 12 months.

Jim Fitzpatrick: I met Hutchison Ports senior managers on 18 October. Other ministerial meetings in the past 12 months with representatives of the ports industry, or industry conferences at which Hutchison Ports will have been represented, are the British Ports Association's (BPA) annual lunch in March, attended by the then Minister of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Dr. Ladyman), a meeting I had on 16 October with the UK Major Ports Group and the BPA, and a conference I attended, the first annual UK Ports and Shipping Forum, on 14 November.
	Departmental and Highways Agency officials have had a series of meetings with Hutchison Ports over the past 12 months to discuss a variety of topics of relevance to the port including European and national port policy, contingency planning, and provision of rail and road infrastructure.

Salisbury Railway Station: Closures

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether, under the terms of their franchise, South West Trains is permitted to close the travel centre at Salisbury Railway Station  (a) without consultation and  (b) without equivalent alternative arrangements being made.

Tom Harris: South West Trains cannot close the Travel Centre at Salisbury Station without consultation, unless the facility will be used for an alternative railway use such as a waiting room. Such closures can be treated as a minor modification which is governed by the closure provisions in the Railways Act 2005.

Trains: Standards

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make a journey in a Desiro Class 450 train unit to assess the level of passenger comfort provided.

Tom Harris: Officials from the Department, acting for the Secretary of State, have made multiple journeys on the Desiro Class 450 trains to assess the level of comfort.
	Stagecoach South Western Trains (SSWT) have carried out an ergonomic study on the class 450s. The findings of this report have been independently reviewed by Passenger Focus, the passenger representation body, and have been made public by SSWT on their website.

Transport: Research

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of how her Department's spending programme for each of the next three years will reflect the priorities identified in the Eddington review; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 19 November 2007
	In the Department's response to the Eddington study, 'Towards a Sustainable Transport System' (Cm 7226), figure 3.1 sets out the Department's spending plans, for the next three years and beyond, against the three major areas of investment highlighted by Eddington: city and regional networks, national networks, and international networks.
	In implementing the comprehensive spending review settlement, the Department will look at all uncommitted funding decisions to ensure that these are consistent with the Eddington study and with the Stern review. The best transport solutions will be those that give the biggest contribution, per £1 of taxpayers' funding, to the Department's five goals of:
	maximising the competitiveness and productivity of the economy;
	cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases;
	protecting people's safety, security and health;
	improving quality of life; and
	promoting greater equality of opportunity.

Transport: Sustainable Development

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent on producing the White Paper, Towards a Sustainable Transport System; and how many copies were printed.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The total publication costs for the discussion document, "Towards a Sustainable Transport System: Supporting Economic Growth in a Low Carbon World" is £11,175.96 (not including VAT). This includes the cost for typesetting, printing, publication costs, use of copyright and mailing services.
	The aforementioned costs do not include the time taken for officials to prepare the document.
	In total, 922 copies were printed off in the initial run. The Department for Transport received 380 copies, the Stationery Office received 350 copies, and the remainder were directly distributed to key stakeholders.
	To keep down costs, the report is also available on the Department for Transport website:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/

Woodhead Southerly Tunnel

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with the National Grid on its plans to lay cables along the Woodhead Southerly Tunnel.

Tom Harris: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no discussions with national grid on its plans to lay cables in the Woodhead Southerly Tunnel, which it owns.

JUSTICE

Criminal Law

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice which measures enacted in criminal justice legislation over the last five years are not yet in force; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: The majority of measures enacted in Criminal Justice legislation over the past five years have been implemented.
	The Serious Crime Act 2007 and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 were given royal assent this year and are not yet in force.
	There are various minor measures in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 relating to the consequential amendments and repeals of provisions in other legislation that have yet to be enacted. The operation of the legislation has not been adversely affected.
	The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 was commenced on 1 October 2007 except in so far as it inserts new provisions into the Public Order Act 1986.
	In respect of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, this Act contains provision that relate to matters of which the owners are not the Ministry of Justice (or the Home Office). The information in respect of this Act could therefore be provided only at a disproportionate cost.
	The following table shows measures enacted in other pieces of legislation that are not yet in force.
	
		
			  Act  Provisions not in force 
			 Crime (International Co-Operation) Act 2003 32 sections (10-12, 20-25, 90, 54-75) and 2 schedules (3 and 4). 
			 Criminal Justice Act 2003 26 sections (33-35,43, 50-54, 56, 62-66,137-138, 151, 154-155, 181, 188, 280-283) and 7 schedules (4, 11, 21, 22,25-27). 
			  26 sections (14, 15, 22, 27, 29-30, 31, 39, 41, 48, 182-187, 196, 204, 213, 216, 244, 266, 279, 300-301, 303) and 8 schedules (2-3,10, 31, 32, 35, 37, 38) are partially in force. 
			 Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 13 sections (9, 12-13, 15-16, 46, 48-53, 51) and 2 schedules (8-9). 
			  1 section (54) and 3 schedules are partially in force (10-12). 
			 Drugs Act 2005 1 section (2). 
			 Offender Management Act 2007 23 sections (1-15, 21-24, 28-30, 31) and 2 schedules (1-2). 
			  3 schedules (3-5) are partially in force. 
			 Police and Justice Act 2006 14 sections (7, 14, 19-21, 34, 35-38, 39-40, 41, 43) and 4 schedules (5, 8, 11-12). 
			  1 section (46) and 1 schedule (1) are partially in force. 
			 Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 6 sections (117, 120-121, 158, 167, 170). 
			  18 sections (60-70, 79-81, 144, 162,165, 167) and 7 schedules (4, 5, 9,10, 13, 14, 17) are partially in force. 
			 Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 22 sections (1-14, 15-20, 59, 61).

Departmental Domestic Visits

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what visits  (a) he and  (b) the Minister of State with responsibility for prisons have undertaken to (i) prisons, (ii) young offender institutions and (iii) secure training centres since 28 June 2007.

David Hanson: Details of the prisons, young offender institutions and secure training centres visited by Ministry of Justice Ministers since 28 June 2007 are set out as follows.
	
		
			  Visits to prisons, young offender institutions and secure training centres since 28 June 2007 
			   Visit 
			  Jack Straw  
			 12 July 2007 HMP Belmarsh 
			 14 September 2007 HMP Preston 
			 14 September 2007 HMYOI and RC Lancaster Farms 
			 4 October 2007 HMYOI Thorn Cross 
			 4 October 2007 HMP Manchester 
			   
			  David Hanson  
			 28 June 2007 HMP Wandsworth 
			 5 July 2007 HMP and YOI Chelmsford 
			 12 July 2007 HMP and YOI East Sutton Park 
			 31 July 2007 HMP Coldingley 
			 1 August 2007 HMP Lowdham Grange 
			 7 August 2007 HMP Acklington 
			 7 August 2007 HMP and YOI Castington 
			 10 September 2007 HMP Birmingham 
			 18 September 2007 HMP and YOI Hindley 
			 20 September 2007 Rainsbrook STC 
			 3 October 2007 HMP Cardiff 
			 3 October 2007 HMP Parc 
			 29 October 2007 HMP and YOI Holloway 
			 1 November 2007 Oakhill Secure Training Centre 
			 16 November 2007 HMP Liverpool 
			 29 November 2007 HMP Pentonville 
			   
			  Lord Hunt  
			 5 July 2007 HMP Birmingham 
			 10 September 2007 HMP Low Newton 
			 12 July 2007 Rainsbrook STC 
			 19 November 2007 HMP Gloucester 
			   
			  Maria Eagle  
			 26 July 2007 HMP Pentonville 
			 5 September 2007 HMP Norwich 
			 5 September 2007 HMP Wayland 
			 6 September 2007 HMYOI Stoke Heath 
			 10 September 2007 HMP Whitemoor 
			 13 November 2007 HMP and YOI Holloway 
			  Key: HMP—Her Majesty's Prison' HMYOI—Her Majesty's Young Offender Institution HMRC—Her Majesty's Remand Centre STC—Secure Training Centre

Departmental Official Hospitality

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what entertainment or hospitality members of the Department's management board have received in each of the last three financial years; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: Paragraph 4.3.5 of the Civil Service Management Code sets out the rules on the registration of hospitality. The Government are committed to publishing an annual list of hospitality received by members of departmental boards. The first list for 2007 will be published as soon as it is ready after the end of the current calendar year.

Industrial Diseases: Compensation

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how his Department plans to handle complaints about the management of compensation claims of miners when the original claimant has died but a surviving family member wishes to pursue the complaint on their behalf.

Bridget Prentice: Responsibility for dealing with complaints about solicitors is solely a matter for the Law Society rather than Government, since the legal profession is independent.
	I understand from the Law Society that:
	Where the original claimant of miners compensation has deceased, the estate (or those acting on behalf of their dependants) can make a complaint to the Legal Complaints Service about how the original claim was handled by a solicitor.
	This arrangement applies for existing and future cases and is not limited to miners compensation cases, rather is part of general LCS policy.
	If a solicitor failed to comply with a decision by an adjudicator to pay compensation to the family of a deceased client, the case would be referred to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, who would ask the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to order enforcement of the compensation decision.
	In future all Legal complaints will be handled by the Office for Legal Complaints Ombudsman Scheme, as provided for by the Legal Services Act 2007, which will be completely independent of legal professions. The OLC is expected to be operational by late 2010.

Information Commissioner: Complaints

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many complaints the Information Commissioner has processed in the last 12 months; what was the average amount of time taken by the Information Commissioner to process these complaints; how many of these complaints have taken over  (a) six months,  (b) 12 months and  (c) 24 months to be processed; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: The ICO is the UK's independent authority set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information.
	The ICO receives complaints under the Data Protection Act (DPA), the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).
	Figures are available until the end of October 2007 as set out in the table as follows.
	
		
			   Total complaints completed  Average completion time (days)  Completed cases taking over 6 months  Completed cases taking over 12 months  Completed cases taking over 24 months 
			 DPA and PECR 12,092 46 346 38 6 
			 FOI and EIR 1,564 176 527 335 56

Issuance of Penalty Notices for Disorder

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  with reference to the answers of  (a) 16 January 2007,  Official Report, columns 1027-28W,  (b) 22 May 2007,  Official Report, column 1252W, and  (c) 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 111W, on the issuance of penalty notices for disorder for 10 to 15-year-olds, what factors have contributed to the length of time it has taken to publish the evaluation of the pilot project; and when the evaluation report was first given to Ministers;
	(2)  how many penalty notices for disorder have been issued to 10 to 15-year-olds in the six pilot police force areas, broken down by  (a) police force area and  (b) offences committed; and how many such penalty notices were (i) paid in full within the 21 day suspended enforcement period, (ii) paid in full outside the 21 day suspended enforcement period, (iii) registered as fines, (iv) contested in court and (v) cancelled;
	(3)  what plans he has to extend the use of penalty notices for disorder to persons under the age of 16 years.

David Hanson: I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 112W, the evaluation report will be published as soon as possible. The report is going through validation and until that has been completed, it cannot be published. Also, as that process has not been completed, the report has not yet been seen by Ministers. The report will contain details of the number of notices issued and other details such as payment rates but until it is published, I am not in a position to provide that information. No decision has been made about extending the use of penalty notices for under-16s.

Medical Treatment

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the Answer of 20 November 2007,  Official Report, column 820W, on consent to medical treatment, when he expects the Public Guardian to produce the first annual report on the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Bridget Prentice: The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (the MCA) is now fully in force and the new Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and Court of Protection were formally launched on 1 October 2007.
	The MCA gives the Public Guardian statutory functions and requires him to make an annual report to the Lord Chancellor about the discharge of those functions. The first annual report of the Office of the Public Guardian will be published in April 2008 covering the operation of the Agency and the Public Guardian's statutory responsibilities.
	The OPG is also responsible for management of policy surrounding Mental Capacity and is planning an initial review of the MCA a year after enactment.

Members: Correspondence

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he expects to reply to the letter of 23 July from the hon. Member for Torbay concerning Mr. David Newby.

David Hanson: I apologise for the delay. I have now written to the hon. Member.

Peterborough Prison

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners were held at HM Prison Peterborough as at 31 October 2007; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: At the end of October 2007 there were 967 prisoners in Peterborough prison. This consisted of 621 males and 346 females.
	This figure is taken from the October 2007 Population in Custody report which is available at the following website
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/populationincustody.htm.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Political Parties: Finance

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will ask the Electoral Commission to report on  (a) the suitability of existing safeguards against anonymous donations and  (b) the extent to which the Abrahams' case is an isolated incident.

Jack Straw: The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) contains a range of requirements to ensure that the source of donations is declared.
	I announced on 25 November that I was seeking advice on the matters raised by  The Mail on Sunday report of that date.
	The Electoral Commission announced on 26 November that they had launched a formal investigation into whether there has been any failure to comply with the provisions of PPERA in connection with a number of donations made to the Labour party. The Commission has now referred matters to the Metropolitan Police Service. It is not therefore appropriate for the Government to comment on this matter.

Prison Sentences

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of those convicted of burglary received a custodial sentence in each of the last 10 years in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) North West Cambridgeshire.

David Hanson: The following table gives the proportion of offenders that received a custodial sentence for burglary from 1995 to 2005. The figures are given for England and Wales and for Cambridgeshire Criminal Justice Area (CJA) as data for areas within CJAs are not available. They cover burglary in a dwelling and other burglaries.
	
		
			   England and Wales  Cambridgeshire 
			   Sentenced  Immediate custody  Proportion  (Percentage)  Sentenced  Immediate custody  Proportion  (Percentage) 
			 1995 35,450 13,497 38 441 144 33 
			 1996 32,388 13,503 42 318 131 41 
			 1997 31,656 14,338 45 394 167 42 
			 1998 31,087 14,547 47 381 162 43 
			 1999 29,329 14,345 49 406 145 36 
			 2000 26,694 13,677 51 313 160 51 
			 2001 24,665 12,476 51 310 153 49 
			 2002 26,376 13,350 51 335 174 52 
			 2003 25,360 11,820 47 340 189 56 
			 2004 24,133 10,814 45 300 148 49 
			 2005 22,652 9,550 42 238 119 50

Prison Service: Emergencies

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what type of events are classed as operational emergencies in the Prison Service.

Maria Eagle: An operational emergency may result from a range of scenarios involving the management of prisoners and the prison estate. For specific purposes, the term operational emergency is defined in two documents. Bulletin 8, setting out terms and conditions of employment for prison officers, defines an operational emergency as a protracted emergency attendance involving the majority of available staff—for example, concerted indiscipline or passive demonstration.
	Schedule III of the Joint Industrial Relations Procedural Agreement between the Prison Service and the Prison Officers Association defines an operational emergency as an occasion where staff will be required to act contrary to the terms of an agreement whether national or local, when events make such action necessary having been identified as a clear operational emergency.

Prisoners Release

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many prisoners recalled from release on end of custody licence (ECL) for reoffending have been convicted of offences committed while on ECL; and what offences have been so committed;
	(2)  how many prisoners released on end of custody licence were recalled  (a) to each prison and  (b) in each prison region for reoffending from (i) 29 June to 5 July, (ii) 6 July to 31 July, (iii) 1 August to 31 August, (iv) 1 September to 30 September and (v) 1 October to 31 October.

David Hanson: 56 prisoners recalled from the End of Custody Licence scheme for re-offending have been convicted for offences committed while on ECL according to information provided by the Police National Computer on 26 November 2007. Expressed in percentage terms, 0.5 per cent. of offenders released on ECL have been convicted of offences committed while on ECL.
	The offenders were convicted of 83 offences, which are listed in the following table:
	
		
			   Number 
			 Assault 12 
			 Breach of ASBO 5 
			 Breach of conditional discharge 1 
			 Burglary 6 
			 Criminal damage 5 
			 Driving offences 17 
			 Drugs offences 4 
			 Drunk and disorderly 6 
			 Failing to surrender to bail 3 
			 Failing to surrender to custody at appointed time 1 
			 Harassment 4 
			 Robbery 1 
			 Sexual assault 1 
			 Theft 17 
		
	
	Between 29 June and 31 October 120 prisoners were recalled for alleged reoffending during the period they were subject to the end of custody licence scheme. This represents 1 per cent. of the prisoners released onto the scheme. According to data held on the Prison Service Inmate Information System, 110 of these have been returned to custody. Table 1 shows the establishments to which the 110 prisoners were returned to. The figure in brackets denotes the number of offenders returned to that establishment in the specific month. Table 2 shows the breakdown by region.
	
		
			  Table 1: Prisons to which offenders recalled for alleged re-offending were returned 
			   Prisons 
			 29 June-5 July Swansea 
			  Bedford 
			  Deerbolt 
			   
			 6 July-31 July Castington 
			  Holloway 
			  Bristol 
			  Woodhill (2) 
			  Liverpool 
			  Parc 
			  Durham (3) 
			  Exeter (3) 
			  Everthorpe 
			  Guy's Marsh 
			  Leicester 
			  Bedford 
			  Northallerton 
			  Doncaster (4) 
			  Eastwood Park (2) 
			  Lincoln 
			  Glen Parva 
			  Elmley 
			  Forest Bank (2) 
			  Portland 
			  Cardiff 
			  New Hall (2) 
			  Holme House 
			  Preston 
			  Stoke Heath 
			  Leeds 
			   
			 1 August -31 August Everthorpe 
			  Leeds 
			  Blakenhurst (2) 
			  Durham (4) 
			  Bronzefield 
			  Elmley 
			  Doncaster (3) 
			  Northallerton 
			  Woodhill 
			  Ford 
			  Hull 
			  Glen Parva (2) 
			  High Down 
			  Leicester 
			  Shrewsbury (2) 
			  Bullingdon 
			  Chelmsford 
			  Preston 
			   
			 1 September-30 September Stoke Heath 
			  Portland 
			  Elmley 
			  Bronzefield 
			  Manchester 
			  Blakenhurst 
			  Leicester 
			  Northallerton 
			  Leeds 
			  Exeter 
			  Lewes 
			  Doncaster 
			  Hull 
			   
			 1 October -31 October Lancaster Farms 
			  Northallerton 
			  Bronzefield 
			  Rochester 
			  Doncaster (3) 
			  Bristol 
			  Bedford 
			  Blakenhurst 
			  Dorchester 
			  Forest Bank 
			  Glen Parva 
			  Woodhill (2) 
			  Durham 
			  Peterborough 
			  High Down 
			  Styal 
			  Lindholme (2) 
			  Elmley (2) 
			  Holme House 
			  Cardiff 
			  Manchester 
			  Parc 
			  Hull (2) 
			  Reading 
			  Exeter 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Number of prisoners returned to custody following recall for alleged reoffending while on ECL,  as broken down by Prison Service regions 
			  Prison region  29 June-5 July  6-31 July  1-31 August  1-30 September  1-31 October 
			 North East 1 5 4 — 2 
			 North West — 4 1 1 5 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside — 9 7 4 7 
			 Wales 1 2 — — 2 
			 West Midlands — 1 4 2 1 
			 East Midlands — 3 3 1 — 
			 Eastern 1 1 1 — 2 
			 South West — 8 — 2 4 
			 South Central — 2 3 — 4 
			 London — 1 1 1 1 
			 Kent and Sussex — 1 2 2 3

Prisoners Release

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners have been released from prison early by mistake over the last five years; how early the release was in each case; and of what offences each prisoner had been convicted.

David Hanson: The available information is as follows:
	It is a mandatory requirement that prisons check the correctness of the calculation of a prisoner's release date 14 days and two days before release. At this point a check is also made to ensure that there is no other reason a prisoner should be detained in custody such as if they are remanded to custody on further charges or held on immigration matters. Additionally re-calculations and checks are also carried out during the course of the sentence, should a prisoner be transferred from one establishment to another. Prison Service Order 6650 provides details of the sentence calculation checks required.
	The numbers of known releases in error are reported to the National Operations Unit in Her Majesty's Prison Service by establishments. During 2005, there were 32 known releases in error reported to the National Operations Unit; during, 2006 there were 36; and during 2007, up to 28 November, there were 28.
	Information on how early the release was in each case and the details of the offences is not available centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Prisoners: Education

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what basic skills education and training courses are  (a) available and  (b) planned for prisoners at HMP Peterborough; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: Details of basic skills education and training courses currently available at HMP Peterborough are outlined in the table.
	The Education Department and workshops at HMP Peterborough are working closely with the Open College Network to deliver new accredited courses in 2008 in such areas as horticulture, beauty therapy, personnel development, catering, construction and hairdressing. The intention is to deliver more of the basic skills training in workshops rather than through classroom delivery. These vocational courses will help to increase the chances of prisoners securing employment on release.
	
		
			  Courses currently available at HMP Peterborough 
			  Accredited basic skills  education courses  Training courses 
			 Literacy at Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 is delivered to prisoners that have very low levels of reading and writing and some that are illiterate. Level 1 and Level 2 literacy are delivered to prisoners that have greater ability but may have attended school sporadically or not sat any examinations. BICS—British Institute of Cleaning Sciences Level 1 and 2 
			   
			 Numeracy at Entry Levels (as above) and Level 1 and 2 are also delivered in the classroom. CIEH—Manual handling and Basic Food hygiene 
			   
			 ESOL is delivered to prisoners where English is not their first language. It is currently not an accredited course but will be accredited with the Open College network in 2008. Appointed persons first aid 
			   
			 Literacy and numeracy are embedded and delivered in workshop areas such as the gym and the Kleaning Academy. VRQ—Assistant instructors Level 1 
			   
			 Other educational courses include art classes, business studies, pre-release, speaking and listening. British Safety Council Level 1 Health and Safety 
			  A range of personal and social development courses such as wellbeing for female prisoners, parenting courses, self employment workshops and alcohol awareness.

Prisons: Manpower

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in what circumstances a prison governor may call off-duty prison officers back into work.

Maria Eagle: A prison governor may call off-duty officers back into work in response to an operational emergency, if there is a need to ensure minimum staffing levels are maintained or due to unavoidable or unforeseen operational reasons such as a delay in returning from outside the prison.

Sentencing

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of offenders sentenced in 2006 to  (a) imprisonment for public protection sentences,  (b) determinate sentences of over four years and  (c) determinate sentences of between one and four years, (i) were first time offenders, (ii) had between one and four previous convictions, (iii) had between five and nine previous offences and (iv) had 10 or more previous offences.

David Hanson: We currently do not have data on offenders discharged from prison for 2006 by previous offending patterns. The latest data available are from first quarter of 2004.
	We also do not have data for the requested data splits of (i) 0, (ii) 1-4, (iii) 5- 9 and (iv) 10 plus, instead we can provide the following data splits: 0, 1-2, 3-6, 7-10 and 11 plus.
	The following table show the percentage of offenders discharged from prison in 2004 and the respective number of previous offences:
	
		
			  Number of previous offences  Percentage sentenced in first quarter of 2004 
			 No previous offences 7.5 
			 Between 1 and 2 offences 5.4 
			 Between 3 and 6 offences 9.1 
			 Between 7 and 10 offences 7.2 
			 Greater than 10 offences 70.8 
		
	
	Data for 2005 cohort will be available by spring 2008, and data on 2006 will be available by summer 2008.

Sentencing

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were sentenced to  (a) indeterminate sentences with a tariff of under 24 months and  (b) determinate sentences of over four years for (i) rape, (ii) attempted rape, (iii) sexual assault, (iv) other sexual offences, (v) grievous bodily harm and (vi) manslaughter in the last year for which figures are available.

David Hanson: All the information relates to 2005, the last year for which data were available.
	Data for the number of offenders serving an indeterminate sentence with a tariff of under 24 months are not available for 2005.
	In 2005 the number of offenders serving a determinate sentence of four years and over for the offences specified is given as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 (i) rape 582 
			 (ii) attempted rape 71 
			 (iii) sexual assault 104 
			 (iv) other sexual offences 303 
			 (v) grievous bodily harm 876 
			 (vi) manslaughter 148 
		
	
	These figures include those persons sentenced to life and indeterminate sentences for public protection.

Young Offenders: Drugs

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the number of young people supervised under the auspices of the Youth Offending Teams who habitually use cannabis; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: Data are not collected centrally on the number of young people subject to YOT supervision who habitually use cannabis, so no estimate has been made.
	The YJB do collect data on the number of young people identified as requiring general substance misuse assessment and accessing early intervention and treatment services. These figures are set out in the following tables and will include young people identified as being users of cannabis.
	
		
			  Table 1: Young offenders reported as 'requiring' assessment, early intervention and treatment across England and Wales for the years 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07 
			   Requiring assessment  Requiring early intervention (tier 2)  Requiring specialist treatment (tier 3 and 4) 
			 2004-05 17,524 8,224 3,327 
			 2005-06 15,414 9,141 4,293 
			 2006-07 14,448 8,230 5,029 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 : Young offenders reported as ' receiving ' assessment  within 10 days of screening, and receiving an intervention within 20 days of screening 
			   Receiving  assessment  Receiving  early intervention (tier 2)  Receiving  specialist treatment (tier 3 and 4) 
			 2004-05 12,885 7,672 2,973 
			 2005-06 13,150 8,786 4,088 
			 2006-07 13,375 7,915 4,823 
			  Note: Tiers 2, 3 and 4 refer to levels of service required for substance misuse issues of low, medium or high severity.

Young Offenders: Injuries

Rudi Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what injuries were incurred by girls held in  (a) Brockhill,  (b) Bullwood Hall and  (c) Cookham Wood Young Offenders Institution following use of control and restraint in each month in (i) 2006 and (ii) 2007.

Maria Eagle: The Prison Service definition of 'girls' in the context of prisoners is those aged 15-17. Brockhill held no such prisoners during 2006-07. At Bullwood Hall one girl sustained an injury during use of force in January 2006 which was recorded as "small red marks on upper arm". At Cookham Wood one girl sustained an injury in December 2006 and one in March 2007 recorded as "bruised wrist" and "bang to the head", respectively.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Alcohol: Sales

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many  (a) public houses,  (b) restaurants and  (c) supermarkets, shops and other licensed retail outlets were caught by trading standards officers selling alcohol to persons under the aged of 18 years in each of the last three years for which figures are available, broken down by local authority;
	(2)  how many visits were undertaken by or on behalf of trading standards officers to  (a) public houses,  (b) restaurants and  (c) supermarkets, shops and other licensed outlets to check compliance with the terms of licences in connection with the sale of alcohol.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I have been asked to reply.
	This information is not centrally held, however, records of visits and prosecutions may be kept locally.
	Visits by Trading Standards officers to licensed premises will not necessarily be solely in relation to Licensing Act 2003. For example they may also visit on grounds relating to weights and measures legislation or trade descriptions legislation.

Bellwin Scheme

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how many authorities have received 100 per cent. of eligible costs incurred due to the July flooding under the Bellwin scheme;
	(2)  what the largest amount of money paid out under the Bellwin scheme to a local authority that incurred costs in the July flooding is;
	(3)  how much financial compensation local authorities affected by flooding in July have requested under the Bellwin scheme;
	(4)  how much funding she estimates will be provided to local authorities under the Bellwin scheme in 2007;
	(5)  how many local authorities affected by flooding in July 2007 have applied for funding through the Bellwin scheme;
	(6)  how much funding has been provided to local councils under the Bellwin scheme in response to the effects of the July 2007 floods.

John Healey: No local authorities have yet applied for funding through the Bellwin scheme for the flooding in July 2007 but 52 authorities have registered an intention to do so. We stand ready to make payments within 15 working days of receiving valid claims which will, exceptionally, be at 100 per cent. of eligible costs above threshold.
	I recently wrote to all registered authorities to remind them that we will also pay interim claims of up to 80 per cent. of incurred expenditure straight away. As yet, no claims—interim or final—have been made.
	Information is still being collected from local authorities to enable an estimate of the total funding that will be provided under the Bellwin scheme in 2007.

Crime Prevention

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the terms of reference are of the cross-departmental review on how best to engage communities in the fight against crime; and when the findings of this review are expected to be published.

Edward Miliband: I have been asked to reply.
	'Engaging communities in fighting crime' is a policy review that aims to understand how local communities, the police, the local criminal justice agencies and other local partners can best work together to:
	reduce crime in their areas,
	raise community confidence in local agencies,
	lower the fear of crime.
	The full terms of reference are as follows:
	A key strand of the review will analyse how to engage individuals, including young people, across the whole range of issues that affect their feelings of safety in the community.
	The review will make recommendations on improving local accountability, increasing local engagement (including willingness to support law enforcement through the provision of evidence) and developing new approaches to problem solving.
	The review shall take full account of the Ten Year Youth Strategy, the work already under way as part of Sir Ronnie Flanagan's review of policing, the current roll-out of Neighbourhood Policing and work of the National Policing Improvement Agency in this area, and shall examine how best to build on the success of Neighbourhood Policing and transfer good practice across all crime fighting agencies including local authority, the Third Sector etc.
	The review team will be drawn from all Departments with an interest and led from the Cabinet Office by Louise Casey.
	The review will report by June 2008.

Departmental Catering

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what percentage of  (a) beef,  (b) lamb,  (c) pork and  (d) dairy products used in her departmental headquarters were imported products in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Parmjit Dhanda: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Jonathan Shaw) on 8 November 2007,  Official Report, column 19WS.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what reviews have been undertaken of her Department's rules on data protection in the last two years; if she will place in the Library a copy of the report of the last review of her Department's compliance with data protection laws; and if  (a) her Department and  (b) her Department's agencies will undertake a review of their compliance with data protection laws;
	(2)  on how many occasions in  (a) her Department and  (b) its agencies confidential data have been downloaded on to compact discs (i) without and (ii) with encryption in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; how many of those discs have been posted without using recorded or registered delivery; what procedures her Department has in place for the (A) transport, (B) exchange and (C) delivery of confidential or sensitive data; what records are kept of information held by her Department being sent outside the Department; what changes have been made to her Department's rules and procedures on data protection in the last two years; on how many occasions her Department's procedures and rules on data protection have been breached in the last five years; what those breaches were; what procedures her Department has in place on downloading confidential data on to computer discs before its transfer; what technical protections there are in her Department's computer systems to prevent access to information held on those systems which is not in accordance with departmental procedures; and if she will place in the Library a copy of each of her Department's rules and procedures on the protection of confidential data on individuals, businesses and other organisations;
	(3)  how many employees of each grade in her Department  (a) have access to confidential or sensitive data and  (b) are authorised to download such data to disc; how many of her Department's employees have undergone data protection training in the last 12 months; what the average length of time is that each employee of (i) her Department and (ii) her Department's agencies has spent on data protection training; how many investigations of employees of her Department for improperly accessing confidential information have taken place in the last 12 months; how many such investigations resulted in cases of disciplinary action; and what the circumstances of each of those cases were.

Parmjit Dhanda: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November,  Official Report, column 1179 in which he announced a review to be carried out by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts across all Departments and agencies of their procedures for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what procedures are in place in her Department to ensure that personal information relating to members of the public is  (a) stored and  (b) transported securely.

Parmjit Dhanda: I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department's information technology and data management systems are BS7799 compliant.

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many breaches of data protection security there were in her Department or her Department's agencies in each of the last five years; and if she will provide details of each breach.

Parmjit Dhanda: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the office costs for her Department's special advisers for 2007-08 are expected to be, including costs of support staff; and how many full-time equivalent civil servants work in support of such special advisers.

Parmjit Dhanda: Two civil servants support the special advisers in the offices of the Secretary of State and the Minister for Housing. Both civil servants provide support of a non-political nature, in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers. They also provide support to the private offices.
	Individual civil servants' salary details are not disclosed in order to protect the privacy of the individual concerned.

Departmental Pay

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people in her Department and its predecessors were paid over £100,000 in each year since 1997.

Parmjit Dhanda: The following table presents the numbers of staff earning an annual salary of more than £100,000 in each complete financial year since the formation of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in May 2002. The information is drawn from published departmental annual reports.
	
		
			   Department to which figure refers  Number of staff with salary exceeding £100,000 pa 
			 2006-07 Communities and Local Government 18 
			 2005-06 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister 13 
			 2004-05 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister 11 
			 2003-04 Office of the Deputy Prime Minister 10

Development Plans

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities have  (a) submitted area action plans,  (b) had area action plans approved and  (c) withdrawn area action plans under the new local development framework.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The information requested is in the following table.
	
		
			  (a) Submitted area action plans 
			  Local Authority  Title 
			 Bedford BC Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Chelmsford BC Chelmsford Town Centre AAP 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Cambridge Southern Fringe AAP 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Cambs East AAP 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Northstowe AAP 
			 Hounslow LBC Brentford 
			 Kingston upon Thames LBC Kingston Town Centre AAP 
			 Redbridge LBC Ilford AAP 
			 Tower Hamlets LBC City Fringe - withdrawn 
			 Tower Hamlets LBC Isle of Dogs - withdrawn 
			 Tower Hamlets LBC Leaside - withdrawn 
			 Newcastle Upon Tyne Council Walker Riverside Area Action Plan DPD 
			 South Tyneside MBC South Shields Town Centre and Waterfront 
			 South Tyneside MBC Hebburn Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Oxford Council Oxford's West End Action Area Plan 
			 Portsmouth Council Southsea Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Tonbridge and Mailing BC Tonbridge Central Area Action Plan 
			 Plymouth Council Millbay/Stonehouse Area Action Plan 
			 Plymouth Council North Plymstock (including Minerals) AAP 
			 Plymouth Council Sutton Harbour AAP 
			 Plymouth Council Devonport Area Action Plan 
			 Restormel BC Newquay Action Plan 
			 South Hams DC Sherford New Community Area Action Plan 
			 Taunton Deane BC Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Newcastle Under Lyme BC Newcastle Town Centre Action Plan 
			 Sandwell MBC Tipton Area Action Plan 
			 Sandwell MBC Smethwick AAP 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands DC AAP Biddulph Town Centre 
			   
			 Total 28 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Had Area Action Plans approved 
			  Local Authority  Title 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Cambridge Southern Fringe AAP 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Northstowe AAP 
			 Newcastle Upon Tyne Council Walker Riverside Area Action Plan DPD 
			 Portsmouth Council Southsea Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Plymouth Council Millbay/Stonehouse Area Action Plan 
			 Plymouth Council North Plymstock (including Minerals) AAP 
			 Plymouth Council Devonport Area Action Plan 
			 South Hams DC Sherford New Community Area Action Plan 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands DC AAP Biddulph Town Centre 
			   
			 Total 9 
		
	
	
		
			  (c) Have withdrawn area action plans following submission 
			  Local Authority  Title 
			 Tower Hamlets LBC City Fringe - withdrawn 
			 Tower Hamlets LBC Isle of Dogs - withdrawn 
			 Tower Hamlets LBC Leaside - withdrawn 
			   
			 Total 3

Development Plans

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities' area action plans are subject to current planning inspectors' examinations.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The following local authorities have area action plans that are subject to current planning inspector's examinations.
	
		
			  Local  a uthority  Title 
			 Bedford BC Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Chelmsford BC Chelmsford Town Centre AAP 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Cambs East AAP 
			 Hounslow LBC Brentford 
			 Kingston Upon Thames LBC Kingston Town Centre AAP 
			 RedbridgeLBC Ilford AAP 
			 South Tyneside MBC South Shields Town Centre and Waterfront 
			 South Tyneside MBC Hebburn Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Oxford Council Oxford's West End Action Area Plan 
			 Tonbridge and Mailing BC Tonbridge Central Area Action Plan 
			 Plymouth Council Sutton Harbour AAP 
			 Taunton Deane BC Taunton Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Newcastle Under Lyme BC Newcastle Town Centre Action Plan 
			 Sandwell MBC Tipton Area Action Plan 
			 Sandwell MBC Smethwick AAP 
			 Total 15

Enterprise and Workless Fund: Torbay

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the likely effect of the Enterprise and Workless Fund on the economy of Torbay and the area's ability to attract grant funding; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey: Eligibility for the Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) will be determined on the basis of the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (IMD 2007), which is a robust measure of small area deprivation. Areas that will qualify for the WNF are those that have high concentrations deprivation.
	We are currently assessing the likely impact of the new fund on eligible areas and will announce the list of authorities and their funding in December alongside the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.

Fire Services: Consultants

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the total cost has been of all consultants' fees for the FiReControl Project to date, broken down by consultancy.

Parmjit Dhanda: To date spend on consultants for the FiReControl project totals £26 million. Consultants provide a wide range of specialist services and skills to the project. They have provided project managers, lawyers, IT specialists, accountants, architects, building engineers, and experts in the property market and in security and resilience. The following table(1) gives total consultancy costs to date (30 October 2007) by company:
	(1 )The figures are stated net of reimbursements and exclude costs from within the public sector.
	
		
			  Company name  Total to date  (£) 
			 Atkins Transport Planning 922,875 
			 Cornwell Management Consultants 838,694 
			 Denton Wilde Sapte 2,004,364 
			 Donaldsons 296,963 
			 ECA 768,949 
			 Hyder Consulting (UK) Ltd 113,734 
			 Insight Management and Systems Consultants 128,460 
			 PA Consulting Services Limited 20,406,734 
			 PKF (UK LLP 739,534 
			 Systeme Evolutif Ltd 46,271 
			 Turner and Townsend LLP 2,651,878 
			 Year end and other adjustment 192,872 
			 Vat(1) 500,799 
			 Other 1,568,156 
			 Sub total 30,987,411 
			 Receipts including recovery of costs from third parties 5,033,122 
			 Total 25,954,289 
			 (1)( )At the end of 2005-06 the Department clarified its policy in relation to VAT and this resulted in a significant charge to expenditure of VAT that had previously been treated as recoverable.

Litter: West Midlands

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what powers are available to local authorities to take action against those caught  (a) dropping litter and  (b) fly-tipping; and how many (i) prosecutions were brought and (ii) penalty notices were issued under each power in each local authority area in the West Midlands in each of the last five years.

Joan Ruddock: I have been asked to reply.
	Dropping litter is an offence under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, punishable by a fixed penalty fine, which can be set locally by a council within a range of £50 to £80, or prosecution (with a fine of up to £2,500 on conviction). Police community support officers, persons accredited under community accreditation schemes, parish councils and local authority authorised officers have enforcement powers, although responsibility rests primarily with the local authority.
	Data on the number of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued and cases taken to court can be found on the DEFRA website at:
	www.defra.gov.uk.
	The deposit of waste without a licence, or fly-tipping, is an offence under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. Due to the serious nature of fly-tipping, there is no FPN available. Local authorities must prosecute offenders through the courts.
	Flycapture, the national fly-tipping database, was set up in 2004 and records the number of fly-tipping incidents dealt with by the Environment Agency and local authorities, The database also records enforcement actions taken, including prosecutions.
	Data are available from April 2004 onwards and are as follows:
	
		
			   Fly-tipping prosecutions taken 
			  Local authority  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Birmingham City Council 0 0 0 
			 Borough of Telford and Wrekin 27 0 4 
			 Bridgnorth District Council 0 0 0 
			 Bromsgrove District Council 0 0 0 
			 Cannock Chase District Council 0 (1)— 0 
			 Coventry City Council 0 3 2 
			 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council 0 2 6 
			 East Staffordshire Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Herefordshire Council 0 0 1 
			 Lichfield District Council 0 0 1 
			 Malvern Hills District Council 0 0 0 
			 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council 0 0 (1)— 
			 North Shropshire District Council 0 0 0 
			 North Warwickshire Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Oswestry Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Redditch Borough Council 0 0 6 
			 Rugby Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council 0 4 13 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council 0 1 0 
			 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council 1 8 7 
			 South Shropshire District Council 0 0 0 
			 South Staffordshire District Council 0 0 0 
			 Stafford Borough Council 0 0 0 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands District Council 0 0 0 
			 Stoke-on-Trent City Council 0 0 0 
			 Stratford-on-Avon District Council (1)— (1)— 0 
			 Tamworth Borough Council 3 0 3 
			 Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council 0 0 6 
			 Warwick District Council 0 0 0 
			 Wolverhampton City Council 4 4 30 
			 Worcester City Council 0 0 0 
			 Wychavon District Council 1 0 3 
			 Wyre Forest District Council 0 0 0 
			 (1) No data.

Members: Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when the Minister of State will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 30 October on home information packs.

Yvette Cooper: I have now replied to the hon. Member's correspondence.

Migration Impacts Forum

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she next expects the Migration Impact Forum to report; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey: The next meeting of the Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) is on 16 January 2008.
	A presentation on the impacts of migration on housing will be made in this meeting. All papers presented to the MIF are put onto the websites of Communities and Local Government and the Home Office after each meeting.

Non-Domestic Rates: Telecommunications

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the implications for her policy on the rating of telephone networks of the establishment by Coventry city council of a fibre optic network upgrade; how many such fibre optic communications networks  (a) owned and  (b) controlled by (i) local authorities and (ii) other public sector organisations there are; how many of these have been assessed for business rates; and what factors are taken into account when assessing (A) public and (B) private sector networks for rates.

John Healey: There has been no change in the policy of rating telephone networks. Where fibre optic networks are known to the Valuation Office Agency they are assessed for rating. At present there are four fibre optic telecommunications networks in assessment that are known to be in the rateable occupation of local authorities and 18 fibre optic networks in assessment that are known to be in rateable occupation of other public sector organisations. All fibre optic networks, whether occupied by public or private sector ratepayers, are valued in the usual way on the basis of their annual rent if they were available to let on the open market at a fixed valuation date.

Parish Councils: Harassment

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the incidence of harassment of town and parish council clerks by councillors.

John Healey: The Department has no monitoring role in relation to breaches of the code of conduct for local authority members, including cases of harassment of town and parish council clerks by councillors, and therefore has no information about the numbers of such cases.

Planning: Renewable Energy

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who the Chairman is of the Renewable Advisory Board's subgroup on microgeneration; who appointed him or her to the Renewable Advisory Board; on what date the Chair of the Renewable Advisory Board subgroup on microgeneration was invited to join the 2016 Task Force; on what date the membership of the 2016 Zero Carbon Task Force was first established; how many meetings of the 2016 Task Force  (a) have been held since it was established and  (b) were held prior to the appointment of the Chair of the Renewables Advisory Board subgroup on microgeneration; and which part of the renewables and microgeneration industry the Chair of the Renewables Advisory Board subgroup on microgeneration represents, as referred to in the answer of 29 October 2007,  Official Report, column 674W, on planning: renewable energy.

Yvette Cooper: Matthew Spencer is the Chairman of the Renewable Advisory Board's subgroup on microgeneration and was appointed by the Energy Minister, following the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments' regulated recruitment process in December 2005 for a three year term.
	Matthew Spencer was invited to join the 2016 Taskforce on 26 October 2007 and the Taskforce itself was first established in January 2007.
	The Taskforce has met five times since it was established and no Taskforce meetings have been held since the appointment of the Chair of the Renewables Advisory Board subgroup on microgeneration.
	Matthew Spencer has been invited to join the 2016 Task Force in his capacity as Chair of the RAB Microgeneration sub-group which is made up of representatives from across the microrenewables sector.

Transport: Finance

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions the Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber has had with the  (a) Secretary of State for Transport and  (b) Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for transport infrastructure in Yorkshire and the Humber since her appointment; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	Although I have not held any formal meetings to date with the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chancellor of the Exchequer on funding for transport infrastructure, I have engaged with key stakeholders in the region on a wide range of issues, including transport infrastructure.

Unitary Councils: Applications

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what criteria applications for unitary status from district councils in England are required to meet.

John Healey: We have assessed all the unitary proposals received against the five criteria set out in our "Invitation to Councils", issued on 26 October 2006. On 25 July we announced that we were minded to implement those proposals which we judged as reasonably likely to achieve the outcomes specified by each of the five criteria.
	We intend shortly, having regard to the five criteria, to take our final decisions under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 as to which unitary proposals are to be implemented.

Urban Areas: Sustainable Development

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what progress has been made on the eco-towns initiative; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 6 November we have received over 50 expressions of interest in respect of eco-towns. These have come from both local authorities and developers, and will be considered in a cross-Government strategic review. The intention is then to announce the selected schemes in February 2008.

Urban Areas: Sustainable Development

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many applications for eco-towns she has received from  (a) local authorities and  (b) private developers.

Yvette Cooper: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 6 November we have received over 50 expressions of interest in respect of eco-towns. These have come from both local authorities and private developers and in some cases a public-private partnership. In a number of cases private developers are in ongoing discussion with local authorities about their involvement in proposals, so it is not possible to give a breakdown at this stage. The intention is to announce the selected schemes in February 2008.

Urban Areas: Sustainable Development

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether new dwellings approved as part of an eco-town development by her Department will contribute to performance against the house building requirements of the revised regional spatial strategies.

Yvette Cooper: The Housing Green Paper sets out that we expect eco-towns to help contribute to achieving the 240,000 national target. As set out in the Eco-Towns Prospectus we would expect new schemes to be additional to existing plans.

Urban Areas: Sustainable Development

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what methodologies will be used to assess the carbon dioxide emissions of eco-towns, with particular reference to transport issues and the need for commuting to and from such towns.

Yvette Cooper: We will look to those making proposals for development of eco-towns to set out how they expect to achieve the Government's criteria for sustainability, including transport, as set out in the Eco-towns Prospectus, launched on 23 July 2007. Eco-towns should be planned in a way that supports low carbon living, and minimises carbon emissions from transport. One of the key issues for eco-towns is the 'consideration of the impact on roads and congestion when siting the eco-town, and the planning of infrastructure requirements'. We will want to see design that promotes sustainable transport usage and the reduction in car dependency.
	We will produce an assessment methodology for those proposals that, following a strategic review across Government, are considered to have the potential to go forward as candidate eco-towns.

Urban Areas: Sustainable Development

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  when she plans to announce the chosen eco-town development sites;
	(2)  what bids have been made for eco-town developments.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 29 November 2007
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Davies) on 13 November 2007,  Official Report, column 116W.

Urban Areas: Sustainable Development

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the criteria are for selection of eco-town sites.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The criteria and assessment approach for the selection of eco-town sites are set out in the Eco-towns Prospectus. This was published on 23 July 2007 as part of the Housing Green Paper and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

Young People: Public Participation

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps the Government have taken to increase the involvement of young people in local government decisions since 1997.

John Healey: holding answer 26 November 2007
	Under the provisions of the Children Act 2004, local authorities are required to consult children and young people as part of their strategic planning for children's services. More recently, empowering young people to shape their local services became a key theme in CLG's 'An Action Plan for Community Empowerment: Building on Success' (October 2007) and DCSF's 'Aiming High for Young People: a Ten Year Strategy for Positive Activities' (July 2007). Examples of current initiatives include the Young Advisers scheme which trains young people aged 15 to 21 to act as consultants to ensure the views of young people are considered in local authority decisions affecting them and the Youth Capital Fund (YCF) and Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) where in 2006-07 over 8,000 teenagers participated in youth panels deciding on funding allocations for youth activities and facilities.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Bereavement Benefits: Forms

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to  (a) increase the availability of and  (b) improve the distribution of bereavement benefit claim forms; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: We are not aware of any problems with the availability and distribution of bereavement benefit claim forms.

Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what average time was taken for Jobcentre Plus to process crisis loans in each year since 2002;
	(2)  what average time was taken for Jobcentre Plus to process community care grants in each year since 2002.

James Plaskitt: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 3 December 2007:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking what was the average time taken for Jobcentre Plus to process Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants in each year since 2002. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The information requested is in the table.
	
		
			  Average actual clearance time—Great Britain 
			  Days 
			   Social fund crisis loans clearance times  Social fund community care grants clearance times 
			 2002-03 1.2 7.5 
			 2003-04 1.3 8.4 
			 2004-05 1.3 8.0 
			 2005-06 1.4 7.8 
			 2006-07 1.5 9.2 
			  Note: 1. Numbers are based on applications cleared in each financial year, not on applications received during that year.  2. Numbers have been rounded to one decimal place.  Source:  DWP Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information System. 
		
	
	The clearance time for an individual application is measured in whole working days from the date of receipt of the application until the date of decision, plus if a loan offer is made, the number of whole working days between receiving the applicant's reply to the offer and the recording of that reply. The minimum clearance time recorded for an individual application is one working day, even if the application is cleared immediately.
	Our standard for the average actual clearance time for Crisis Loans is 2 working days and for Community Care Grants it is 9 working days. We have kept within the standard average actual clearance time for Crisis Loans in every year from 2002-03 and for Community Care Grants in every year except 2006-07.
	As we have modernised Crisis Loan delivery by making our service more accessible to our customers, the number of Crisis Loan applications has risen to an unprecedented level. Jobcentre Plus received 202,000 applications in October this year compared to 132,000 in October 2006.
	In order to deal with this rise and continue to keep within our 2 day standard for Crisis Loans we have temporarily diverted resources from Community Care Grants, and have been putting in extra resources. By taking this action we have kept within our 2 day standard for Crisis Loans, this has resulted in a knock on effect on time taken to clear applications for Community Care Grants. As the extra resources come on stream we expect to see improvements and move back to our usual standards.

Departmental Health Insurance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many officials in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies have private health insurance provided as part of their employment package.

Anne McGuire: Private health insurance is not part of the normal employment package provided by the Department for Work and Pensions or its agencies. However four employees who transferred to the employment of DWP under the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment Regulations (TUPE) elected to retain the term of their previous employment that provided them with private health insurance.

Departmental Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what land surplus to his Department's requirements it is  (a) selling,  (b) leasing and  (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not own any land as DWP has outsourced estate via a private finance initiative (PFI) contract known as Prime whereby the entire DWP estate was sold (freehold, feuhold and long lease interests) or transferred (short leasehold interests) to Land Securities Trillium. The proceeds were released to HM Treasury in April 1998 (for the original DSS estate) and further in December 2003 when Prime was expanded to include the former Employment Service estate.

Departmental Manpower

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many reports have been made to his Department's nominated officers under paragraph 16 of the revised Civil Service Code since its publication on 6 June 2006.

Anne McGuire: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 596-97W.

Departmental Manpower

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many allegations of victimisation for whistleblowing have been reported to his Department by departmental staff since 6 June 2006.

Anne McGuire: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 596-97W.

Departmental Manpower

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when his Departments whistleblowing procedures were reviewed to reflect the provisions in the revised Civil Service Code.

Anne McGuire: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 596-97W.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the office costs for his Department's special advisers for 2007-08 are expected to be, including costs of support staff; and how many full-time equivalent civil servants work in support of such special advisers.

Anne McGuire: The Code of Conduct for Special Advisers states that
	"In order to enable special advisers to work effectively, Departments may allocate permanent civil servants to provide support of a non-political nature".
	Two civil servants support the Department's special advisors. Both provide administrative support of a non-political nature in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.
	Individual civil servants' salary details are not disclosed in order to protect the privacy of the individual concerned.

Departmental Standards

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to publish his Department's autumn performance report.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions has not yet set a date for publication of its autumn performance report for 2007, however it is our intention to publish this before the House rises for the Christmas recess.

Disability Aids: Communication

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of people who require alternative and augmentative communication equipment; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what guidance his Department has issued to local authorities on the provision of alternative and augmentative communication equipment for disabled people;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the potential demand for alternative and augmentative communication aids among people aged  (a) under 24,  (b) between 24 and 65 and  (c) over 65 years old; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department has not made any such estimates or assessments and has not issued guidance.
	It is the responsibility of local health and social care organisations to prioritise and allocate funding for communication aids based on their assessment of the needs of their local populations. To support this process the Government recently announced, through the Comprehensive Spending Review that local authority funding will increase by £2.6 billion by 2010-11.
	Recommendation 5.6 of the Prime Ministers' Strategy Unit report "Improving the Life Chances of Disabled people", focuses on the provision of community equipment, communication aids and wheelchairs for children. As part of the process of addressing this recommendation the Department launched the Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services programme in June 2006.
	In addition, the department, is working closely with the Department for Children, Schools and Families to support the Bercow Review. The Bercow Review is currently reviewing services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs with the aim of producing a report in the summer of 2008.

Disability Living Allowance: Immigrants

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what checks are made on the immigration status of applicants for disability living allowance; and if he will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for the Acting Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service, Mrs Vivien Hopkins. She will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Vivien Hopkins, dated 3 December 2007:
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what checks are made on the immigration status of applicants for disability living allowance; and if he will make a statement.
	The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, promised you a substantive reply from the Acting Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service.
	I can confirm that a customer applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is asked to provide their Nationality on the claim form.
	If the customer does not answer this question or their answer indicates that they may be subject to Immigration control then further enquiries are made. These enquiries may include a request for sight of the passport, travel documents and any letters from the Home Office.
	If the customer fails to respond to a request for evidence of this type, or if the decision maker is unable to confirm the immigration status of the customer from the available evidence, then enquiries may be made direct to the Home Office.
	These issues need to be resolved before any award of DLA can be made.
	I hope this reply is helpful.

Disability Living Allowance: Marfan Syndrome

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what provisions are in place for people with Marfan syndrome to access disability living allowance.

Anne McGuire: Entitlement to disability living allowance is not linked to particular disabling conditions, but on the extent to which a severely disabled person has personal care needs and/or walking difficulties as a result of their disability. People with Marfan syndrome can claim disability living allowance in the same way as anyone else.
	There is a range of help available to customers who may experience difficulty in completing the claim form. People can call the freephone Benefit Enquiry Line, where an operator will offer advice and answer individual questions as well as arranging for someone to call back to complete a copy of the claim form over the phone. The completed form will then be sent to the customer for checking, signing and return.
	In cases where the customer does not want to fill in the self-reporting form, or cannot make use of the other help available, the Disability and Carers Service may be able to send out a visiting officer to help with the form. Customers can also go to their local Jobcentre Plus office or Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

Disabled

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many companies have been awarded the two ticks symbol in recognition of action taken to meet commitments in relation to people with disabilities; and how many were withdrawn in each of the last five years.

Anne McGuire: The available information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Disability symbol: Agreements awarded and  withdrawn each calendar year 
			   New company agreements awarded  Companies withdrawn( 1) 
			 2003 328 17 
			 2004 340 11 
			 2005 269 15 
			 2006 245 12 
			 2007(2) 220 24 
			 (1) This figure denotes the companies that have either chosen to terminate the agreement themselves or who have had their agreement terminated by Jobcentre Plus for non-compliance.  (2 )To date.   Source:  The Disability Symbol employer database for England, Wales and Scotland.

Incapacity Benefit: Overseas Residence

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many incapacity benefit recipients live outside the UK in a country where they can receive  (a) index-linked benefit entitlement and  (b) non-index-linked benefit entitlement.

Anne McGuire: Incapacity benefit is a contribution-based benefit. It is only payable to people who have paid sufficient relevant UK national insurance contributions.
	At 31 October 2007, the number of incapacity benefit recipients living outside the UK and in receipt of an index-linked benefit entitlement was 10,992.
	There are no incapacity benefit recipients living outside the UK receiving a non-index linked benefit.

Income Support

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people there are on income support benefit who are working  (a) part-time and  (b) full-time.

James Plaskitt: Income support is not payable to people who work full-time.
	The number of people in receipt of income support who declare part-time earnings is 49,300, as at quarter ending May 2007.
	 Note: Figures are uprated to Work and Pension Longitudinal Study totals, rounded to the nearest 100.
	 Source: DWP Information Directorate 5 per cent sample.

Jobcentre Plus

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what steps are being taken to ensure that contact between people with mental health and learning difficulties and Jobcentre Plus is appropriately managed;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to make Jobcentre Plus more accessible to people who do not speak English as a first language;
	(3)  what progress has been made in improving the accessibility of Jobcentre Plus to elderly people; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 3 December 2007:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about improving access to Jobcentre Plus services for people who are elderly or for whom English is not a first language and managing appropriately contact with people who have mental health or learning difficulties. These are things that fall within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Our services are delivered over the telephone, face to face, in writing and through the internet. We recognise that some people have particular needs linked to age, disability and language and strive to meet these in the delivery of our services.
	The steps we take are tailored to meet individual circumstances and include:
	working with customer advocates and intermediary organisations such as Citizens Advice;
	providing interpreter services to support interviews and telephone calls;
	using alternative interview venues; and
	producing a range of materials in other languages and alternative formats.
	Additionally, we provide targeted help for customers with particular needs. For example, our Disability Employment Advisers are experts at helping people with health conditions and disabilities into work, including people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
	Whilst some benefits end at State Pension Age, many of the services available through Jobcentre Plus to help people return to work have no upper age limit. This includes the use of Jobpoints to search for job and learning opportunities. Programmes like New Deal 50 plus, and Work Trials are among those available on a voluntary basis to people who have been in receipt of certain benefits for six months or more, including the Pension Credit which is a qualifying benefit for all currently available back to work programmes and services.
	Our staff receive training to ensure they understand equality legislation. We also work closely with the voluntary sector, including organisations that represent customer interests. This helps us to understand better our customers' needs and to make appropriate referrals to external support in local communities.
	I hope this is helpful.

New Deal for Disabled People

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many people registered for new deal for disabled people in each month since the programme began for the  (a) second and  (b) third time;
	(2)  how many people have registered for new deal for disabled people in each month since the programme began.

Caroline Flint: The requested information is in the following table:
	
		
			  New deal for disabled people 
			  Month of registration with new deal for disabled people  Total number of registrations  Number registering for the second time  Number registering for the third time 
			 July 2001 1,090 20 0 
			 August 2001 1,370 20 0 
			 September 2001 960 30 0 
			 October 2001 1,080 40 10 
			 November 2001 1,830 50 10 
			 December 2001 900 20 0 
			 
			 January 2002 1,450 30 0 
			 February 2002 2,040 70 0 
			 March 2002 2,640 80 10 
			 April 2002 2,550 80 0 
			 May 2002 3,250 130 10 
			 June 2002 2,170 100 10 
			 July 2002 2,580 90 10 
			 August 2002 3,010 150 20 
			 September 2002 2,860 150 10 
			 October 2002 2,990 140 10 
			 November 2002 3,400 220 20 
			 December 2002 1,480 120 10 
			 
			 January 2003 3,300 210 20 
			 February 2003 3,220 180 20 
			 March 2003 3,190 200 10 
			 April 2003 2,590 200 20 
			 May 2003 3,140 240 30 
			 June 2003 3,120 240 20 
			 July 2003 3,040 220 20 
			 August 2003 3,190 210 20 
			 September 2003 3,420 230 30 
			 October 2003 4,130 290 30 
			 November 2003 2,830 230 20 
			 December 2003 1,740 140 20 
			 
			 January 2004 3,390 260 40 
			 February 2004 3,700 270 30 
			 March 2004 3,980 340 40 
			 April 2004 4,670 440 60 
			 May 2004 4,670 440 50 
			 June 2004 4,640 460 70 
			 July 2004 6,570 640 100 
			 August 2004 4,900 410 60 
			 September 2004 5,280 470 70 
			 October 2004 6,650 660 100 
			 November 2004 5,000 550 80 
			 December 2004 3,630 410 70 
			 
			 January 2005 5,240 530 80 
			 February 2005 5,840 590 70 
			 March 2005 5,270 640 90 
			 April 2005 6,040 630 110 
			 May 2005 4,760 510 100 
			 June 2005 4,830 550 100 
			 July 2005 6,300 680 100 
			 August 2005 5,330 560 100 
			 September 2005 7,020 790 130 
			 October 2005 5,800 640 100 
			 November 2005 5,600 630 100 
			 December 2005 3,870 440 100 
			 
			 January 2006 6,140 800 130 
			 February 2006 7,060 840 160 
			 March 2006 7,810 980 180 
			 April 2006 4,880 640 140 
			 May 2006 4,950 710 120 
			 June 2006 6,210 840 130 
			 July 2006 4,830 610 100 
			 August 2006 5,070 600 100 
			 September 2006 6,310 770 140 
			 October 2006 4,970 570 120 
			 November 2006 4,760 590 110 
			 December 2006 3,550 440 80 
			 
			 January 2007 5,240 610 120 
			 February 2007 5,560 650 150 
			 March 2007 6,900 840 140 
			 April 2007 4,760 620 110 
			 May 2007 4,940 600 140 
			 June 2007 6,230 780 150 
			 July 2007 5,010 630 120 
			 August 2007 4,950 490 100 
			  Notes: 1. The New Deal for Disabled People programme was introduced in July 2001. 2. Latest data are to August 2007. 3. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.  Source:  Information Directorate, Department for Work and Pensions.

New Deal for Disabled People: Employment

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people registered for New Deal for Disabled People found employment lasting  (a) less than 13 weeks,  (b) at least 13 weeks,  (c) at least 26 weeks and  (d) at least 52 weeks in each year since the programme began.

Caroline Flint: Up to the end of May 2007, New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) had helped 151,970 people into work.
	Information on job sustainability through NDDP is only available up to March 2006, and only available for jobs gained through an NDDP Job Broker.
	Of the 77,820 people who gained a job through an NDDP Job Broker to March 2006, 56,510 (73 per cent.) gained a sustained job. Information on the definition of a sustained job through NDDP is provided in the notes to the following table.
	Information is not available for jobs gained through NDDP lasting at least 52 weeks. The available information on the number of people finding employment through NDDP lasting less than 13 weeks, at least 13 weeks, and at least 26 weeks in each year since the programme began, is in the following table.
	
		
			  Period  Less than 13 weeks  At least 13 weeks  Less than 26 weeks  At least 26 weeks 
			  July to December 2001  —  —  180  720 
			 January to December 2002 — — 1,630 5,110 
			 January to September 2003 — — 2,020 6,710 
			 October to December 2003 860 3,020 — — 
			 January-December 2004 4,850 17,780 — — 
			 January-December 2005 7,720 20,170 — — 
			  Notes:  1. Since October 2003, a job has been regarded as sustained through New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) when a person, placed into work through an NDDP Job Broker, remains in work for 13 out of 39 weeks.  2. Prior to October 2003, an NDDP job was regarded as sustained when a person, placed into work through an NDDP Job Broker, remained in work for 26 out of 39 weeks.  3. Up to September 2003, information is available on whether a job lasted at least 26 weeks, or less than 26 weeks, but no differentiation is available on whether it lasted less than or more than 13 weeks.  4. From October 2003, information is available on whether a job lasted at least 13 weeks, or less than 13 weeks, but not on whether it lasted at least 26 weeks.  5. Separate data on job sustainability through NDDP has not been collected centrally since April 2006. As information is requested for each year, complete year data is provided to December 2005.  6. New Deal for Disabled People started in July 2001.  7. Data is rounded to the nearest 10.   Source:  Information Directorate, Department for Work and Pensions.

New Deal For Young People: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of participants in the new deal for young people in the Peterborough city council unitary authority area were repeat participants in the last year for which figures are available.

Caroline Flint: New deal for young people (NDYP) has helped 2,230 people in the Peterborough city council local authority area into work since it started in January 1998. Between June 2006 and May 2007, there were 960 participants on NDYP in the Peterborough city council local authority area, of which 290 (30 per cent.) were repeat participants.
	 Notes:
	1. Latest available data are to May 2007.
	2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	3. Percentages are rounded to the nearest number.

New Deal for Young People: Suffolk

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of participants in the New Deal for Young People in  (a) the East of England and  (b) Suffolk returned to receive jobseeker's allowance (i) immediately and (ii) within one year of leaving the New Deal in the last year for which figures are available.

Caroline Flint: The available information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Percentage of new deal for young people (NDYP) participants returning to receive jobseeker's allowance (JSA) after leaving new deal 
			   East of England  Suffolk 
			 Immediately 17 25 
			 Within one year 36 41 
			  Notes: 1. Latest available data are to the end of May 2007, but to enable data to be provided for those leaving NDYP and returning to JSA within one year of leaving the programme, information is from June 2005-May 2006. 2. To provide comparative data, information for those returning to JSA immediately after leaving NDYP is also calculated from data between June 2005-May 2006. 3. All percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.  Source: Information Directorate, Department for Work and Pensions.

Occupational Pensions

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect on occupational pension funds of the increase in longevity assumptions by the Pension Protection Fund.

Mike O'Brien: It is not the PPF's role to set a standard for other pension schemes. The PPF has recently announced its intention to maintain a stable levy estimate (allowing for indexation) for the next three years, subject to there being no significant change in long-term risk exposure.

Transformation of the Personal Capability Assessment Report

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions at what time on 19 November 2007 he placed the Transformation of the Personal Capability Assessment report in the Library.

Peter Hain: holding answer 26 November 2007
	It was my understanding at the time I made the statement that the report had been placed in the Library. In fact two copies of the report were delivered to the Statistical Resource Unit in the House of Commons Library at approximately 11 am and 50 copies were available to hon. Members from the Vote Office at the same time. However copies of the report were not available to hon. Members from the Libraries until later in the afternoon. I apologise to the hon. Member if I inadvertently caused any confusion.

BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM

Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what timetable the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has set for the disposal of the nuclear laboratory site at Berkeley.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him today to his question 167885.

Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority plans to dispose of the Berkeley Nuclear Laboratory site.

Malcolm Wicks: The NDA is preparing an overarching property asset strategy for its estate. As part of the consultation process, the Berkeley Site Stakeholder Group was informed in October that there were no current plans to sell the freehold of the Berkeley Centre. During 2008-09 the NDA will seek the Berkeley Site Stakeholder Group's views on the scope for working in partnership with local development agencies and the private sector to develop the site.

Business: Renewable Energy

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what plans he has to provide incentives for the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of renewable energy technology manufacture in the UK.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 15 November 2007
	 The Renewables Obligation (RO) is the Government's main support mechanism for the expansion of renewable electricity in the UK. The RO has driven forward a dramatic growth in the deployment of renewables in the UK. As a result many companies both large and small have taken advantage of the economic benefit and new employment that has resulted.
	More than £500 million is being spent between 2002-08 supporting R and D on emerging technologies. Many of the companies supported have been SMEs.

Claimants Pilot: South Yorkshire

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the claimants pilot in Rother Valley; and what criteria he used to make that assessment.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department received a copy of the report on the Rother Valley pilot project from the Legal Complaints Service on 19 November 2007. We are now considering the outcomes and plan to discuss these further with the Legal Complaints Service and others to agree the best way of taking this work forward in the light of the pilot and other relevant initiatives.

Claimants Pilot: South Yorkshire

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many individuals responded to the claimants pilot in Rother Valley. [R]

Malcolm Wicks: Based on information provided by the Legal Complaints Service (LCS) I understand there were 364 individual responses who accepted an invitation to attend an Information Session facilitated by them. Of these, 327 people actually attended the Information Sessions, generating 261 complaints. A further 69 claimants who were unable to attend a Session either rang or wrote to the LCS to make a complaint. Taken overall the pilot has generated 330 complaints to be followed up for further investigation by the LCS.

Claimants Pilot: South Yorkshire

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the reasons are for the time taken to give names of claimants to the Legal Complaints Service to advise on solicitors' charges following the Rother Valley pilot.

Malcolm Wicks: In reaching agreement to take forward the Rother Valley pilot project with the Legal Complaints Service the Department was concerned to make sure our obligations under the Data Protection Act and other considerations in using claimant data were taken fully into account. We are now considering the outcomes from the pilot and discussing with the Legal Complaints Services and others the best way of taking this work forward in the light of the practical experience and other relevant initiatives.

Claimants Pilot: South Yorkshire

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on what date he is expecting to give names of claimants to the Legal Complaints Service to advise on solicitors' charges following the Rother Valley pilot.

Malcolm Wicks: The Legal Complaints Service was given some claimant data for the Rother Valley pilot project. We are now considering the outcomes from the Rother Valley pilot project and discussing with the Legal Complaints Services and others the best way of taking this work forward in the light of the experience gained from the project and other relevant initiatives.

Companies House: ICT

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether he has any plans to review the IT systems of Companies House.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 21 November 2007
	No.

Departmental Carbon Emissions

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether his Department has adopted the Carbon Trust's carbon management programme.

Malcolm Wicks: BERR are not currently working with the Carbon Trust, however the Department for Trade and Industry engaged with the Carbon Trust from 2003-04 to 2006-07 through its carbon management (energy efficiency) programme, which delivers technical assessment and energy efficiency advice, detailed in a customer specific action plan.

Energy

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how much electricity was generated in the UK from  (a) coal,  (b) gas,  (c) nuclear,  (d) renewable and  (e) other sources in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Malcolm Wicks: Electricity generated in the UK in 2006 (the last year for which data are available) is summarised as follows:
	
		
			  Source  Electricity generated (GWh) 
			 Coal 150,283 
			 Gas 141,342 
			 Nuclear 75,451 
			 Renewables 18,784 
			 Other(1) 12,466 
			 Total 398,327 
			 (1) Other sources include oil, hydro pumped storage, coke oven gas, blast furnace gas and waste products from chemical processes.  Source: Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2007

Energy: Fees and Charges

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will take steps to ensure that all customers of an energy supplier have access to the cheapest tariff provided by that supplier.

Malcolm Wicks: In respect of gas and electricity, each supplier has a range of tariffs which are generally related to payment method. While these will be available to all customers, there will be circumstances where a customer cannot access a particular tariff, for instance, an internet-based tariff or, where a customer is repaying debt through a prepayment meter. Most suppliers now offer social tariffs to their fuel poor customers, while others offer a range of measures designed to assist these customers. Among other things, these activities help low-income households reduce their energy costs. I am in continued discussion with suppliers to encourage them to maintain and build on these activities.
	Ofgem and Energywatch have undertaken activities to inform consumers about the range of tariffs available and the benefits of switching. A number of intermediaries now also exist to inform customers about different tariffs and provide an easy means of switching. In respect of the cheaper tariffs that are available through direct debit, the key is access to a bank account. The Government are tackling this through their work on financial inclusion and specifically work with the banking sector to improve access to bank accounts.

Energy: Ministers

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will list the Ministers in his Department, and its predecessor, who have had held the post of Energy Minister since 1 May 1997, giving the start and end date of their tenure in each case.

Malcolm Wicks: I am the current Minister for Energy, having been appointed on 29 June 2007. I was also Minister for Energy between 12 May 2005 and 9 November 2006.
	Other Ministers for Energy, since May 1997, were:
	John Battle: 6 May 1997 to 28th July 1999
	Helen Liddell: 29 July 1999 to 10 January 2001
	Brian Wilson: 11 January 2001 to 14 May 2001 and 13 June 2001 to 13 June 2003
	Stephen Timms: 14 June 2003 to 8 September 2004
	Mike O'Brien: 9 September 2004 to 11 April 2005
	Lord Truscott: 10 November 2006 to 28 June 2007

Energy: Wastes

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how much electricity was generated from municipal waste in the UK as a percentage of total electricity produced in the latest period for which figures are available; what plans he has to increase this amount; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: In 2006 (the last year for which data are available) 0.3 per cent. of electricity in the UK was generated from municipal solid waste (biodegradable part only) combustion (source: Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2007).
	Government plans on energy from waste are set out in the "Waste Strategy for England 2007" and the Government's energy policy was set out in the "Energy White Paper", both of which are available from the House of Commons Library.

Fuel Poverty

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many households in  (a) St. Albans constituency,  (b) each borough in Hertfordshire and  (c) England (i) are classified as living in fuel poverty and (ii) have been classified as living in fuel poverty in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Constituency level estimates of fuel poverty are available only for 2003 from the Fuel Poverty Indicator dataset (available online at http://www.fuelpovertyindicator.org.uk/). This estimates that there were approximately 2,700 households in fuel poverty in St. Albans. The following table shows fuel poverty levels also taken from the fuel poverty indicator website for all the local authorities in Hertfordshire;
	
		
			  Local authority name  Total 
			 Broxbourne 1,800 
			 Dacorum 3,000 
			 East Hertfordshire 2,800 
			 Hertsmere 1,900 
			 North Hertfordshire 2,700 
			 St. Albans 2,700 
			 Stevenage 1,900 
			 Three Rivers 1,700 
			 Watford 1,600 
			 Welwyn Hatfield 2,100 
		
	
	The most up-to-date national fuel poverty rates were published in "The UK Fuel Poverty Strategy 4(th) Annual Progress Report 2006" (available online at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file29688.pdf) holds the following table on page 8:
	
		
			  Number of households in fuel poverty in England, 1996—2004 
			  million 
			   Total fuel poor  Vulnerable 
			 1996 5.1 4.0 
			 1998 3.4 2.8 
			 2001 1.7 1.4 
			 2002 1.4 1.2 
			 2003 1.2 1.0 
			 2004 1.25 0.95

Fuel Poverty: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many  (a) people and  (b) households in each London borough (i) are classified as living in fuel poverty and (ii) were classified as living in fuel poverty in each year since 1997.

Malcolm Wicks: London borough level estimates of fuel poverty are available only for 2003. The following table shows fuel poverty levels taken from the Fuel Poverty Indicator dataset (available online at http://www.fuelpovertyindicator.org.uk/) for all the London boroughs.
	
		
			  London borough  Estimate of number of fuel poor households 
			 Barking and Dagenham 3,900 
			 Barnet 6,700 
			 Bexley 5,000 
			 Brent 5,300 
			 Bromley 6,700 
			 Camden 4,800 
			 City of London 200 
			 Croydon 7,700 
			 Ealing 6,100 
			 Enfield 6,000 
			 Greenwich 5,300 
			 Hackney 4,600 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 3,800 
			 Haringey 5,200 
			 Harrow 4,000 
			 Havering 5,000 
			 Hillingdon 4,800 
			 Hounslow 4,300 
			 Islington 4,200 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 4,100 
			 Kingston upon Thames 3,200 
			 Lambeth 6,100 
			 Lewisham 5,900 
			 Merton 4,200 
			 Newham 5,800 
			 Redbridge 5,200 
			 Richmond upon Thames 4,100 
			 Southwark 5,400 
			 Sutton 3,900 
			 Tower Hamlets 3,800 
			 Waltham Forest 5,300 
			 Wandsworth 5,900 
			 Westminster 5,600 
			 Grand Total 162,200

Heating: Carbon Emissions

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what recent discussions his Department has had on reducing carbon dioxide emissions; and what consideration he has made of the potential effect of electric heating on carbon dioxide emissions.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department plays a key role in delivering the Government's public sector agreement of leading the global effort to avoid dangerous climate change, particularly in relation to promoting carbon trading, encouraging the adoption of renewable and low carbon technologies, and addressing the removal of barriers to behavioural change in order to improve energy efficiency. As such, Ministers and officials have regular discussions both in and outside Government on these issues. For example, I took part in the zero carbon homes taskforce meeting on 26 October which is looking at addressing the barriers to implementation of the 2016 zero carbon homes target. Officials have been in discussion with industry on the competition for a commercial-scale carbon capture and storage demonstration project launched on 19 November. Ministers and officials have been discussing with a number of stakeholders ways of encouraging more renewable electricity generation. As announced in the Energy White Paper we are also considering a number of policy options to reduce the carbon impact of heat, including low-carbon electric heating in order to determine a strategy for heat.

Heating: Carbon Emissions

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will have discussions with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Communities and Local Government on the potential environmental effects of use of electric heating.

Malcolm Wicks: I have held regular discussions with the Department of Communities and Local Government on a range of strategic energy issues and I am also a member of the 2016 zero carbon taskforce, established to identify the barriers to implementation of the 2016 zero carbon target and put in place measures to address these. I took part in the meeting of the taskforce on 26 October alongside the Minister for Housing.
	The Government are committed to addressing both the causes and consequences of climate change. As announced in the Energy White Paper we are considering a number of policy options to reduce the carbon impact of heat in order to determine a strategy for heat.

Heating: Carbon Emissions

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform which  (a) Department and  (b) Minister has lead responsibility for reducing heat emissions.

Malcolm Wicks: Tackling climate change is a matter for Ministers in all Departments. Responsibility for action to reduce heat emissions involves the work of many Departments and Ministers including Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport.

Heating: Conservation

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when he expects to develop a strategy on heat as indicated in the Energy White Paper; and what the timetable is for its production.

Malcolm Wicks: As announced by the Prime Minister on 19 November, a call for evidence on heat will be published in January 2008. Following this, Ministers will look at options and a timetable for developing a heat strategy.

Heating: Conservation

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will publish in full the Office of Climate Change report on sustainable heat.

Malcolm Wicks: The Office of Climate Change heat project has been running since January 2007 looking at how CO2 emissions from heat could be reduced. As announced by the Prime Minister on 19 November, a call for evidence on heat will be published in January 2008.

Industrial Diseases: Compensation

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the reasons were for the decision to delay giving names of claimants to the Legal Complaints Services to advise on solicitors' charges following the Rother Valley pilot; and which Ministers took that decision.

Malcolm Wicks: In reaching agreement to take forward the Rother Valley pilot project with the Legal Complaints Service the Department was concerned to make sure our obligations under the Data Protection Act and other considerations in using claimant data were taken fully into account. My officials are now considering the outcomes from the pilot and discussing with the Legal Complaints Services and others the best way of taking this work forward in the light of the practical experience and other relevant initiatives. I will be meeting the Legal Complaints Service and key stakeholders in the new year to determine next steps.

Mining: Coal

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many meetings with ex-coalminers his Ministers have had in coalfield communities in each of the last two years.

Malcolm Wicks: I met former miners and their representatives in Cardiff in March 2007. I also meet the NUM and representatives of coalfield communities through the Coal Health Ministerial Monitoring Group. My officials also meet with representatives of the coalfield communities at the English, Scottish and Welsh Monitoring Committees.

Mining: Death

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate he has made of the likely number of deaths of miners pursuing compensation claims in the next 12 months.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department is unable to make such a prediction with any certainty. However, from the information provided by the claimants' legal representatives we are aware of 135 claimants with a life expectancy of less than two years.
	Since 1 January 2007, 528 claimants passed away before their claims were settled.

Nuclear Power Stations

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what funding his Department has allocated to the Environment Agency to carry out the process of pre-authorisation for new nuclear power stations.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department has not allocated any funding to the Environment Agency to carry out generic design assessments.
	The regulators, including the Environment Agency, have developed resource plans to allow them to implement generic design assessments.
	Industry will meet the costs of generic design assessment, as they currently meet the costs of licensing any nuclear plant. This will allow the regulators to resource the process.

Nuclear Power Stations

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform by what date he expects the first pre-authorisation consent for new nuclear power stations to be granted by the Environment Agency.

Malcolm Wicks: Following a request from the Government, the regulators published their guidance on the Generic Design Assessment process in January 2007.
	The regulators, including the Environment Agency, estimate that performing generic design assessments for a competitive number of reactor designs could take around three and a half years. Greater clarity on the time needed for the generic design assessment process should become available as the process unfolds. The time needed will also depend on the number of designs that are assessed concurrently.

Nuclear Power Stations: Design

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what budget his Department has allocated to the  (a) Health and Safety Executive and  (b) Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to carry out the process of generic design assessment for new nuclear power stations.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department has not allocated any funding to the Health and Safety Executive or the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to carry out generic design assessments.
	The regulators, including the Health and Safety Executive and the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, have developed resource plans to allow them to implement generic design assessments.
	Industry will meet the costs of generic design assessment, as they currently meet the costs of licensing any nuclear plant. This will allow the regulators to resource the process.

Nuclear Power Stations: Design

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform by what date he expects the first design consent to be granted following the process of generic design assessment for new nuclear power stations.

Malcolm Wicks: Following a request from the Government, the regulators (the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency) developed a process for generic design assessment of new nuclear reactor designs, which they are carrying out on a contingent basis pending the outcome of the consultation on the future of nuclear power. The regulators published their guidance on the Generic Design Assessment process in January 2007.
	The regulators estimate that performing generic design assessments for a competitive number of reactor designs could take around three and a half years, running until around 2010-11. Greater clarity on the time needed for the generic design assessment process should become available as the process unfolds. The time needed will also depend on the number of designs that are assessed concurrently.

Nuclear Power Stations: Uranium

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform from where the uranium for the UK's nuclear power stations is sourced; and what percentage came from each country in the latest period for which figures are available.

Malcolm Wicks: Uranium imports come from a diverse range of countries—uranium is currently mined in 19 different countries and resources of economic interest have been identified in at least 25 other countries.
	Our Nuclear Consultation document shows the latest percentage figures of countries supplying the most uranium to EU15 utilities in 2005 as follows:
	
		
			   Percentage 
			 Canada 28 
			 Australia 17 
			 Niger 14 
			 Russia 10

Nuclear Power Stations: Uranium

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when he expects global supplies of uranium to be exhausted; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that world uranium resources are more than adequate to supply the expected global expansion of nuclear power.
	The IEA's 2006 World Energy Outlook concluded that identified conventional uranium resources are sufficient for several decades of operation at current usage rates. All demand to 2030 can be met from reasonably assured resources at a production cost below $80/kg. Beyond 2030 the additional demand can still be met on the basis of current estimates of total reasonably assured, inferred and undiscovered uranium resources.

Phoenix Venture Holdings

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when he expects to receive the report of the inspectors appointed by Ministers under section 432 of the Companies Act 1985 to investigate and report on the affairs of Phoenix Venture Holdings Ltd, MG Rover Limited and related companies; what progress has been made with the inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The investigation is ongoing. The inspectors, who are independent of BERR, are seeking to complete the report as quickly as possible, with due regard for the fairness of the process and the thoroughness of the task. It would not otherwise be appropriate to comment on the details of a current investigation or to speculate on when it might be completed.

Post Offices: Closures

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many responses have been received to the six-week consultation over proposed post office closures in the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Area Plan.

Patrick McFadden: holding answer 29 November 2007
	This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. (POL), to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Offices: Standards

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many anonymous visits have been made to post offices to monitor the delivery of network change programme checks of key messages to customers.

Patrick McFadden: holding answer 15 November 2007
	This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. (POL). I have therefore asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of POL, to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Postal Services: Standards

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the Government's policy is on requiring postmen to maintain a pace of four miles per hour across their route as determined by the Pegasus 2 programme; and if he will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: This is an operational matter for which Royal Mail has direct responsibility. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive of Royal Mail, Adam Crozier, to provide a direct reply to the hon. Member.

Productivity

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what productivity per worker is in the UK; what information his Department holds on equivalent figures for  (a) the USA,  (b) Germany,  (c) France,  (d) China and  (e) India; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The Government have a long running PSA objective to raise productivity growth over the cycle and in comparison to our main international competitors (the US, France and Germany).
	Latest international comparisons of productivity per worker produced by the ONS for 2006 show the gap with France currently stands at around 9 per cent. down from 23 per cent. in 1995. The data also show that productivity in the UK is 4 per cent. higher than in Germany from being 10 per cent. lower in 1995. The gap with the US stands at around 23 per cent. down from 29 per cent. in 1995.
	ONS does not produce data on the productivity performance of India and China. However, GDP per capita data suggest that productivity performance is significantly below that in the UK.

Radioactive Materials: Transport

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform who is responsible for the security of trains carrying nuclear waste through London; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The transportation of spent nuclear fuel is carried out in accordance with stringent security regulations—the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003 (NISR 03). These regulations are administered and enforced by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), part of the Health and Safety Executive, who regulate the security of such movements.
	A key requirement of the NISR 03 is that all carriers of civil nuclear material submit a Transport Security Statement (TSS), which is legally binding, detailing the security policies and procedures implemented in order to prevent the theft or sabotage of civil nuclear material in transit. Before a carrier can commence the transport of civil nuclear material, the TSS has to be approved by OCNS who must be assured that the standards detailed are sufficiently robust.

Radioactive Materials: Transport

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps his Department has taken to  (a) review and  (b) improve the security arrangements for (i) nuclear facilities and (ii) the transportation of nuclear materials including (A) MOX plutonium and (B) nuclear waste; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Security measures for the transportation of nuclear material and of licensed nuclear sites are kept under continuing review in light of the prevailing threat and we are satisfied that existing procedures are robust and effective.
	The Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), part of the Health and Safety Executive, is the Government's regulator for security in the civil nuclear industry and is responsible for ensuring, inter alia, that the industry complies with the requirements of the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003 (NISR 03).
	The NISR 03 makes provision for the protection of nuclear material, both on sites and in transit, against the risks of theft and sabotage, and for the protection of sensitive nuclear information, such as site security arrangements.

Regional Development Agency: Finance

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what criteria were used to allocate funding referred to in the answer of 23 October 2007,  Official Report, column 195W, on regional development agency: finance, to each regional development agency.

Stephen Timms: The regional development agencies' budgets for 2007-08 were allocated to the RDAs following spending review 2004. Grant in aid was divided between the RDAs using a funding formula which takes into account the needs of the region (including skills, worklessness and productivity).
	Once the RDAs' overall budgets were set, each of the RDAs produced corporate plans in which they set out their requirements for pay and non-pay administration costs. Those plans were approved by Ministers.

Renewable Energy

Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what proposals he has to improve the development and uptake of renewable and low carbon energy technologies through targeted sectoral deployment support measures.

Malcolm Wicks: The 2007 Energy White Paper sets out the Government's policy to promote energy innovation in renewable and low carbon technologies. The Government are supporting a wide range of technology push measures to stimulate research and development through the Research Councils, Technology Strategy Board, Energy Technologies Institute (all DIUS funded) and the Environmental Transformation Fund (DEFRA and BERR funded). The ETF will be the key mechanism for supporting demonstration and early phase deployment for low carbon energy and energy efficiency technologies and will be operational from April 2008. It will include BERR's existing sector specific demonstration programmes such as; Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Carbon Abatement Demonstration Programme, Marine Renewables Deployment Fund Programme, Low Carbon Buildings Programmes, Bioenergy Capital Grants Programme, Offshore Wind Capital Grants Programme.
	In addition market pull comes by providing the market mechanisms and incentives such as the renewables obligation (RO) and the renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO). The RO will provide by 2010 some £1 billion support for renewable deployment. We are introducing measures to allow banding of the RO, this will provide the generation industry with greater incentive to develop and deploy those technologies which are currently further from commercial deployment. The UK has shown its commitment to a responsible biofuel strategy through the development of the RTFO, which would require the totality of road transport fuel to include a minimum proportion of biofuel, reaching 5 per cent. by volume by 2010-11.
	In terms of the heat sector, we have been carrying out further work this year into renewable technologies, policy options and support measures that could further reduce the carbon impact of heat and its use.

Renewable Energy

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps his Department is taking to implement options for utilising a lower carbon grid policy arising from the Prime Minister's commitment to treble the amount of electricity produced from renewable sources by 2015.

Malcolm Wicks: The Energy White Paper announced the reform of the renewables obligation which it is estimated will see a trebling in the amount of electricity produced from renewable sources from 4.6 per cent. in 2006 to around 15 per cent. in 2015.
	Investment in electricity networks to support these, and other developments, is made by the transmission owners and distribution network operators under the regulatory supervision of Ofgem. Ofgem have agreed £560 million of investment in the transmission network specifically to connect new renewable generation in Scotland and the North of England. In the transmission price control, which covers the five year period from 1 April 2007, a further £3.8 billion of investment in the transmission network was agreed. This figure includes both refurbishment and the costs of connecting new generators of all types and may increase if warranted by generator demand.
	We also announced in the Energy White Paper a review of the framework for grid access for renewable generation (the transmission access review). This review will consider ways to better support the connection of renewable generation to the grid.
	In addition, my Department has supported innovation in the integration of renewable and other low carbon generating technologies into the electricity networks, through the technology programme, now operated by DIUS through the Technology Strategy Board. The Department has also supported the work of the Electricity Networks Strategy Group, and its predecessor the Distributed Generation Working Group, in successfully addressing a range of grid-related barriers to small renewable generators and other low carbon technologies. The Centre for Distributed Generation and Sustainable Energy, has also been supported by the Department to the tune of some £2.5 million over five years, in addressing a range of issues relating to the integration of renewable generation.
	Since taking powers in the Energy Act 2004 for the Secretary of State to make changes for purposes connected with offshore electricity transmission to codes, licences and agreements, the Department has also been working jointly with Ofgem to establish the details of the new regulatory framework that will deliver grid connections for offshore renewable energy projects. We are continuing to develop the details of the new regime in consultation with industry, and aim to issue final proposals for consultation in June 2008.

Renewable Energy: National Grid

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps he is taking to increase the National Grid's infrastructure capacity to facilitate offshore energy projects; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Since taking powers in the Energy Act 2004 for the Secretary of State to make changes for purposes connected with offshore electricity transmission to codes, licences and agreements, BERR has been working jointly with Ofgem to establish the details of the new regulatory framework that will deliver the grid connections for offshore energy projects.
	We have already concluded that allowing companies to compete for the right to build the offshore grid infrastructure should lead to the most economic and efficient solution for both consumers and generators. We are continuing to develop the details of the new regime in consultation with industry, and aim to issue final proposals for consultation in June 2008.
	In terms of investment in the onshore grid over the next few years, Ofgem have agreed £560 million of investment in the transmission network specifically to connect new renewable generation in Scotland and the North of England. In the Transmission Price Control, which covers the five year period from 1st April 2007, a further £3.8 billion of investment in the transmission network was agreed. This figure includes both refurbishment and the costs of connecting new generators of all types and may increase if warranted by generator demand.

Retail Trade: Mobile Phones

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate he has made of the number of former customers of retail mobile phone companies now in administration who have  (a) been given notice of legal action and  (b) been taken to court by the network providers.

Patrick McFadden: The information requested is not held centrally in a readily available format. Any attempt to estimate such numbers would incur disproportionate cost, as it would require information to be sought from a variety of sources and the details of each administration case identified then scrutinised individually.

Retail Trade: Mobile Phones

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate he has made of the number of former customers of retail mobile phone companies now in administration who have been given a negative credit reference as a result of action taken by the network providers.

Patrick McFadden: The information requested is not held centrally in a readily available format. Any attempt to estimate such numbers would incur disproportionate cost, as it would require information to be sought from a variety of sources and the details of each administration case identified then scrutinised individually.

Retail Trade: Mobile Phones

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate he has made of the number of former customers of retail mobile phone companies now in administration who have been referred to debt collection agencies by the network providers.

Patrick McFadden: The information requested is not held centrally in a readily available format. Any attempt to estimate such numbers would incur disproportionate cost, as it would require information to be sought from a variety of sources and the details of each administration case identified then scrutinised individually.

Severn Barrage

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the terms of reference are for the feasibility study on the prospects for a Severn Barrage; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The detailed remit and cost of the feasibility study is now being scoped. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make a statement on this early in the new year.

Small Businesses: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many registered small businesses in London there were in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The stock of VAT-registered businesses in London at the start of each year between 1998 and 2007 is shown in the following table. Although only data for businesses of all sizes registered for VAT is published by BERR, it is estimated that the majority (98 per cent.) of these will have fewer than 50 employees.
	
		
			  VAT-registered businesses in London, at the start of year, 1998-2007 
			   Number 
			 1998 251,585 
			 1999 262,280 
			 2000 270,875 
			 2001 277,595 
			 2002 281,225 
			 2003 282,920 
			 2004 289,130 
			 2005 294,815 
			 2006 301,975 
			 2007 309,225 
		
	
	At the start of 1998, there were 252,000 VAT-registered businesses in London. This rose each year to reach 309,000 at the start of 2007, an increase of 23 per cent.
	However, VAT registrations do not capture all business activity. Businesses are unlikely to be registered if they fall below the compulsory VAT threshold, which was £60,000 at the start of 2006. Only 1.9 million out of 4.5 million UK enterprises (43 per cent.) were registered for VAT at the start of 2006.

Small Businesses: Non-Domestic Rates

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the average value of unmade claims for the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme was in  (a) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency,  (b) Teesside and  (c) the North East in the last period for which figures are available.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Small Businesses: Non-Domestic Rates

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the take-up of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme was in  (a) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency,  (b) Teesside and  (c) the North East in the most recent period for which figures are available.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested is not held centrally. However, as at 31 December 2006, the number of businesses in the areas in question that were in receipt of small business rate relief are shown as follows.
	
		
			   Number of businesses 
			 Middlesbrough 709 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 778 
			 Teesside(1) 3,156 
			 North East 18,344 
			 (1) Teesside consists of the unitary authorities of Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on Tees.

South West Regional Development Agency: Public Appointments

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether the decision to appoint Christine Channon to the South West Regional Development Agency in November 2004 was made following open competition in accordance with the guidelines set down in the Commissioner for Public Appointments' code of practice.

Stephen Timms: Ministers make appointments to RDA bards following procedures in the code of practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and also with all relevant legislation.
	This particular case followed normal practice of an open competition. The selection panel advised Ministers that several candidates fully satisfied the criteria and made a specific recommendation as to which of these candidates should be appointed.
	On the basis of a key paragraph in the code of practice 3.36, however, departmental officials advised Ministers that it was open to them to appoint one of the other candidates judged by the panel as having fully satisfied established criteria if they so chose. On the basis of that advice Ministers appointed the other candidate.
	The Department subsequently found that the advice given to Ministers (that they had freedom to choose among the candidates) was wrong. That advice was based on a misunderstanding of a key paragraph in the Code of Practice on Public Appointments, which at that time explicitly stated that
	"Ministers will wish to balance boards in terms of diversity as well as skills and experience; consequently Departments may recommend that Ministers appoint any candidate who has fully met the selection criteria in order to assist in achieving a desired balance on a board's membership".
	The Commissioner for Public Appointments subsequently revised the relevant paragraph in the code of practice to clarify this issue, it was changed to
	"Ministers will wish to balance boards in terms of diversity of skills and experience as set out in the role description and person specification at the commencement of the process."
	The Department subsequently revised its processes accordingly to minimise the risk of any further breaches happening of this kind.

South West Regional Development Agency: Public Appointments

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what processes were put in place in his Department following the appointment of Christine Channon in 2004 to prevent future such cases arising.

Stephen Timms: As a result of this case, the relevant paragraph in the code of practice 3.36 was changed by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. At the time of the decision, it read
	"Ministers will wish to balance boards in terms of diversity as well as skills and experience; consequently Departments may recommend that Ministers appoint any candidate who has fully met the selection criteria in order to assist in achieving a desired balance on a board's membership".
	In August 2005 this was changed to read
	"Ministers will wish to balance boards in terms of diversity of skills and experience as set out in the role description and person specification at the commencement of the process."
	The Department subsequently revised its processes accordingly to minimise the risk of any further breaches happening of this kind.

Water: Meters

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will take steps to improve the ability of customers to make an informed choice on the merits of installing a water meter.

Phil Woolas: I have been asked to reply.
	Ofwat requires companies to publicise the options available to household customers for the installation of a free water meter.
	The recently announced Green Homes Service will give practical advice to customers on water efficiency, which could include information on the benefits of installing a water meter.

Wind Power

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether his Department plans to revise ETSU R-97 as it relates to existing and planned wind turbine installations.

Malcolm Wicks: The Government have published two independent studies on noise from wind turbines in 2006 and in 2007, both available on the BERR website at
	http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/explained/wind/onshore/page31267.html
	and
	http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file40570.pdf.
	Based on the findings of these studies, the Government will not carry out any further research into noise from wind turbines at this time, however we will continue to keep the issue under review. We continue to support the approach set out in Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 22—Renewable Energy. This approach is for local planning authorities to "ensure that renewable energy developments have been located and designed in such a way to minimise increases in ambient noise levels", through the use of the 1997 report by ETSU to assess and rate noise from wind energy developments.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Actis

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will publish  (a) the equity holdings in Actis of those members of staff who purchased a 60 per cent. stake from his Department and  (b) any subsequent changes in equity holdings.

Douglas Alexander: The equity ownership of the individual members is a matter protected by individual confidentiality.

Actis: Africa

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of Actis funds investment capital is invested in the poorest quartile of African countries; and if he will list such investments.

Douglas Alexander: Actis has approximately US$3.5 billion of funds under management across the emerging markets of which it manages US$1.3 billion in Africa. The proportion of this invested in the poorest quartile(1) is 9 per cent. and includes the following investments:
	DFCU Limited, Uganda;
	Banro Corporation, Democratic Republic of Congo;
	Banque Commerciale du Rwanda, Rwanda.
	(1) Data correct at 30 September 2007

Actis: Pay

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much Actis's Paul Fletcher earned in the last 12 months including expenses, bonuses and pension entitlement.

Douglas Alexander: The Remuneration Committee of Actis's Supervisory Board is responsible for determining the firm's policy on remuneration. Information about remuneration (salaries and bonus payment) for the partners is detailed in the Report of the Members and Consolidated Financial Statements published with Companies House.

Actis: Pensions

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what residual pension liabilities his Department has for employees of Actis formerly employed by CDC.

Douglas Alexander: DFID has no liabilities for pension payments to CDC or ex-CDC employees; pensions are provided through a funded pension scheme as described in the CDC annual accounts.

Bond Latin America and the Caribbean Group

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he or his ministerial colleagues will meet representatives of the Bond Latin America and the Caribbean Group.

Shahid Malik: We have been in correspondence with the BOND Latin America and Caribbean Group, and they will meet the head of DFID's Latin America and Caribbean Department.

Departmental Computers

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many of his Department's  (a) computers and  (b) laptops have been stolen in 2007; and what the value of those items was.  [Official Report, 27 February 2008, Vol. 472, c. 18MC.]

Douglas Alexander: 13 laptops have been stolen from the Department for International Development in 2007, all of which had encrypted hard disks. The estimated value of these laptops was £9,087. No other computers have been stolen from DFID in 2007.

Departmental Foreign Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and (b) non-EU foreign nationals are employed by his Department.

Shahid Malik: Nationality information is provided by staff on an entirely voluntary basis. Of the 1,721 home civil servants employed by the Department for International Development (DFID), 37 have declared themselves to be EU foreign nationals and a further 35 as non-EU foreign nationals.
	DFID also employs 858 staff who were recruited locally to work in our network of offices overseas on local terms and conditions of service. Comprehensive nationality information is not readily available for this group, but it can be assumed that the majority will be nationals of the country in which they were recruited, and would therefore be non-EU foreign nationals.

Departmental Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what land surplus to his Department's requirements it is  (a) selling,  (b) leasing and  (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is.

Shahid Malik: The only land owned by DFID in the UK is our East Kilbride office site with surrounding grounds. There are no plans to sell or lease this property at the moment.

Departmental Publicity

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much has been spent by his Department on advertising in the last 12 months.

Shahid Malik: DFID has spent nothing on promotional advertising in the 12 months since November 2006. In the same period £339,745.70 has been spent on advertising for recruitment and procurement procedures.

Departmental Publicity

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the quality of his Department's literature aimed at  (a) infant,  (b) junior,  (c) secondary and  (d) sixth form pupils; and if he will make a statement.

Shahid Malik: DFID provides funding to organisations that do produce resources for school children and these are evaluated on an individual project basis. We are currently reviewing what more we can do in this area.

Developing Countries: HIV Infection

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department has provided for  (a) care and  (b) palliative care for those with HIV/AIDS in developing countries under the G8 commitment to universal access to treatment.

Shahid Malik: The UK is the second largest bilateral donor on HIV and AIDS and has pledged to spend £1.5 billion on AIDS programmes over the three years up to 2008. While our statistical system tracks broad areas of expenditure such as HIV and AIDS it does not codify specific subsets such as care and palliative care.
	However, care and palliative care are an essential part of a comprehensive response to AIDS. Where DFID is providing significant support to country programmes on HIV and AIDS, this includes components to increase capacity of health systems to provide treatment and care, or to develop home and community-based projects. Examples include DFID's support to develop integrated, community-based, HIV and AIDS home-based care in Zambia, and the Kenyan government's HIV and AIDS prevention and care project which includes a package of community-based care and support.
	In addition to our bilateral support to developing countries we also provide support for care and palliative care through our multilateral partners. For example we recently made an unprecedented long-term commitment to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria of up to £1 billion by 2015. The Global Fund is providing significant funds for care and palliative care including support for the roll-out of palliative care in South Africa and Uganda.

Gaza: Water Supply

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of provision of water supplies for the population of Gaza City.

Shahid Malik: The UN monitors the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 15 per cent. of the population of the Gaza Strip do not currently have access to an adequate supply of drinking water. The UN's data are not broken down by city.

Health Insurance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many officials in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies have private health insurance provided as part of their employment package.

Shahid Malik: DFID does not provide private health insurance for its civil servants working in the UK or overseas. We do, however, provide such insurance for some of our locally engaged staff overseas where there is no equivalent to the national health service and it is normal practice for comparator employers to include private health insurance as part of the employment package.
	DFID has one agency, the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, and this does not employ any staff.

Iraq: Asylum

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the number of Iraqi refugees in Syria; what discussions he had with the Syrian authorities about the safe and early return of these refugees; whether the Government are providing financial support to Syria to assist them in housing, feeding and schooling these refugees; and what discussions he has had with  (a) his European counterparts and  (b) his American counterpart about this situation.

Shahid Malik: The UN estimates there are between 1.2 and 1.4 million Iraqi refugees in Syria. The UK Government are very concerned about the humanitarian situation for these refugees. Our engagement and support has been through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which has an internationally recognised mandate to lead the international response to refugee situations. Their operations are closely co-ordinated with the Syrian Government. Activities include rehabilitation of vacant buildings for housing, food distribution and education initiatives. UNHCR is also investigating reports of increased refugee returns from Syria and the reasons behind such returns. We await the outcome of this work.
	Since January, DFID has committed £3 million to UNHCR for their work with Iraqi refugees. This takes our overall Iraq humanitarian response to £15 million this year and to over £130 million since 2003. DFID officials are working closely with American and European aid agencies, such as the European Community Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), as well as with other partners to co-ordinate programmes and share information.

Iraq: Reconstruction

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research has been conducted by his Department on UK-funded reconstruction initiatives in Iraq.

Shahid Malik: The Department for International Development monitors all of its programmes rigorously, including its reconstruction projects in Iraq. In addition to ongoing evaluation and monitoring, we conduct annual reviews—known as "output to purpose reports". At the end of the project's life, we conduct project completion reports. These reviews are designed to evaluate the extent to which the projects have achieved their purpose, and they include recommendations for future changes in our programmes. Every programme is given a score from one to four to indicate how successful it has been in meeting its objectives.
	In addition to our bilateral programmes, we have channelled a significant share of DFID reconstruction funds for Iraq through multilateral agencies such as the United Nations and the World Bank. These agencies have their own internal evaluation processes. For example, DFID has channelled £70 million to the international reconstruction fund facility for Iraq (IRFFI), a multi-donor trust fund which supports projects of the World Bank and UN agencies. We have argued for increased attention to be paid to monitoring and evaluation of IRFFI-funded programmes on Iraq and as a result an independent review of its work is now under way. This is being co-ordinated by the United Nations Office Project Services (UNOPS).

KPMG

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  how much his Department has paid to KPMG in each of the last five years;
	(2)  what contracts his Department has awarded to KPMG in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) each of the previous five years.

Douglas Alexander: The payments made by DFID to KPMG through our central finance system in each of the last five financial years are listed as follows.
	
		
			  Financial year  Total payments (£) 
			 2006-07 2,341,093 
			 2005-06 2,469,284 
			 2004-05 3,118,634 
			 2003-04 1,059,955 
			 2002-03 2,486,660 
		
	
	There may be some small value payments made overseas through local payment systems that we are unable to identify through our central system or able to quantify without incurring disproportionate costs.
	All contracts awarded to KPMG and their network of affiliated independent firms, have been detailed in the table for each of the years requested. This does not include lower-value contracts issued by DFID's overseas offices, which could be obtained only by incurring disproportionate cost.
	
		
			Contract Value (£) 
			  Contracts awarded 2002-03   
			 Russian Regional Finance Reform Technical Assistant Facility KPMG 500,000 
			 Medium Term Expenditure Framework Project KPMG 1,315,000 
			 Policy Division Change Management Process Consultant KPMG 96,250 
			 Safety Security and Access to Justice: Implementation Consultancy KPMG 3,151,836 
			 West Bank and Gaza: Governance Advisor KPMG 100,363 
			 Results Oriented Management Adviser KPMG 323,980 
			 Public Sector Pay and Grading KPMG 99,730 
			 Poverty Reduction through Optimising Local Governance Structures in Kenya Management Agent KPMG 2,489,350 
			 Support Services for Public Enterprise Restructuring KPMG 6,363,425 
			  Contracts  a warded 2003-04   
			 Andhra Pradesh Power, Institutional Support and Strengthening of Distribution Companies KPMG Consulting Private Ltd. (India) 3,785,948 
			 Support to Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh for Annual Tariff Filing KPMG Consulting Private Ltd. (India) 67,981 
			 Public Sector Reform KPMG East Africa Ltd. 0 
			 Senior Banking Sector Consultants KPMG 0 
			 Civil Service Reform—Interim Programme Manager KPMG East Africa Ltd. 60,370 
			  Contracts  a warded 2004-05   
			 Financial Sector Deepening Trust To Promote the Development of Financial Markets KPMG East Africa Ltd. 322,250 
			  Contracts  a warded 2005-06   
			 Joint Account for Pooled Resources for Civic Education KPMG East Africa Ltd. 409,712 
			 Support To Madhya Pradesh Electricity Distribution KPMG Consulting Private Ltd. (India) 1,715,377 
			 Support To Madhya Pradesh Power Operating Companies for Accounting and Billing KPMG Consulting Private Ltd. (India) 1,148,674 
			  Contracts  a warded 2006-07   
			 Establishment of a Community Land Use Fund KPMG Mozambique 2,344,710 
			  Contracts  a warded 2007-08   
			 Managing Consultant for the Governance and Transparency Fund KPMG Development Services 1,451,500

Non-Governmental Organisations: Finance

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding his Department provided to each non-governmental organisation (NGO) in each of the last 10 years; and what proportion that funding represented of each NGO's budget in each of those years.

Shahid Malik: Tables showing the Department for International Development's expenditure to UK civil society organisations for the last 10 years have been placed in the Library of the House. Central systems are currently only able to extract information on support provided to UK civil society organisations. Since we do not hold information on the budgets of these organisations, we cannot provide detailed information on DFID funding as a proportion of each NGO's budget.

Overseas Aid

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will bring forward proposals to ensure that aid supplied in kind by the UK is branded as British.

Shahid Malik: Procedures for branding UK emergency humanitarian aid were put in place earlier this year. These have been deployed for the first time as part of the current operation in respect of Cyclone Sidr, though the first tranche of UK aid provided to Bangladesh was channelled through the United Nations Development Programme to local non-governmental organisations and so was not subject to the new branding.
	The branding of non-emergency aid in kind is subject to local flexibility to allow for the management of security risk or other operational factors. We do plan to review our approach to branding of overseas development assistance.

Overseas Aid

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has provided in aid to each recipient country in each of the last 10 years, expressed in 2007 prices.

Shahid Malik: I have placed a table in the Library showing DFID's total bilateral expenditure, in constant 2006-07 prices, by recipient country, in each year since 1997-98.

Palestine: EU Aid

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with reference to the answer of 12 June 2007,  Official Report, column 1017W, on Palestine: EC aid, what the main conclusions of the European Commission and World Bank report into the effectiveness of the temporary international mechanism were; what changes have been made to the mechanism or its administration in light of the report; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report.

Shahid Malik: The European Commission (EC) released the interim evaluation of the temporary international mechanism (TIM) in October. This concluded that the TIM had successfully maintained basic services; acted rapidly and efficiently and addressed the most urgent priorities.
	It concluded that no changes were needed to improve its efficiency or effectiveness, but that future support to the Palestinian Authority (PA) should build the capacity of institutions, through greater integration with PA systems. We are working with the EC to ensure that future funding incorporates the lessons from the TIM Review.
	A copy of the report will be placed in the Library.

Somalia: Overseas Aid

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his assessment is of the security of humanitarian assistance to Somalia by the World Food Programme with reference to the increase of piracy incidents in the area.

Gareth Thomas: Security is one of the major challenges in delivering humanitarian assistance to Somalia. Relief agencies are unable to work effectively to assist the most needy people, especially in Mogadishu and the surrounding area, and the threat of piracy makes the delivery of humanitarian assistance more difficult. Transporters demand higher rates because of the risks, and delays are caused when willing transporters cannot be found or cargoes are seized. Three ships have been attacked in 2007. All were returning empty from Somalia to Kenya, and so there was no loss of humanitarian cargo.
	The overland route via Kenya does not, however, provide a suitable alternative since it is less efficient and more expensive, with the exception of a few delivery locations adjacent to the Kenya border. There are many incidents of militia groups setting up checkpoints along roads inside Somalia and demanding payments for passage. This happens to such an extent that the World Food Programme (WFP) still prefers to send the bulk of its humanitarian cargo by ship. At present, approximately 80 per cent. of deliveries of WFP food aid to Somalia are by sea.

Zimbabwe: Human Rights

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe.

Gareth Thomas: The humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate as a result of economic mismanagement made worse by the effects of a severe drought during the last growing season. An estimated 4.1 million people will need international food aid by the end of the year. Malnutrition has reached concerning levels in a number of districts. The collapse of urban water and sanitation systems in Zimbabwe's main cities has increased numbers of life-threatening diarrhoea outbreaks. HIV/AIDS remains a major problem with 1.8 million affected.
	DFID's aid programme is providing substantial direct assistance to protect the livelihoods of more than 1.5 million poor people in Zimbabwe, tackle HIV/AIDS and help meet humanitarian needs. This year we have made an additional contribution of £8 million to the World Food Programme to ensure that food aid reaches those who need it most and £1 million to UNICEF to prepare for and respond to emergency disease outbreaks.

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

Academies: Manchester

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families who will appoint the board of governors of each of the seven new academies to be established in Manchester; who will  (a) appoint the head teacher and  (b) set the schools' goals in each case; what the role of the local authority will be in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The individual academy trusts will be responsible for appointing the governing bodies of the academies. We have yet to receive detailed governance proposals for all seven academies. However, we anticipate that the lead sponsors will appoint the majority of governors in each case, and that Manchester city council, as one of the co-sponsors, will appoint two governors. Initially, the academy trusts will be responsible for setting the academy goals and appointing the principal, with the governing bodies assuming these responsibilities once they are in place.

Academies: Manchester

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families who the co-sponsors are of the seven academy projects planned for Manchester; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The lead and co-sponsors of the Manchester academies programme are as follows:
	
		
			  Provisional name  Lead sponsor(s)  Co-sponsor(s)  Specialism 
			 Business and Enterprise Academy Manchester Airport Willow Park Housing Trust, Business and Enterprise 
			   Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT)  
			   Manchester City Council (MCC)  
			 
			 Health Academy Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospital NHS Trust City College Manchester (CCM) Health 
			   MCC  
			 
			 Creative and Media Academy (Boys) MANCAT Microsoft Creative and Media 
			   ITV Granada  
			   CCM  
			   BBC  
			   MCC  
			 
			 Creative and Media Academy (Girls) MANCAT Microsoft Creative and Media 
			   ITV Granada  
			   CCM  
			   BBC  
			   MCC  
			 
			 Finance and Business Academy The Co-operative Group MCC Finance and Professional Services 
			 
			 Built Environment Academy Bovis Lend Lease MANCAT Construction and the Built Environment 
			  Laing O'Rourke MCC  
			 
			 Communications Academy BT MANCAT Digital Communications 
			   CCM  
			   MCC

Building Schools for the Future Programme

Ken Purchase: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families which local authorities included in the Building Schools for the Future programme have made submissions which have not included a proposal to open an academy.

Jim Knight: The following list shows the local authorities in waves 1 to 4 of Building Schools for the Future, of which six do not have an open Academy, or one in the pipeline. These are Gateshead, Knowsley, South Tyneside, Tower Hamlets, Cambridgeshire and Somerset. The BSF submissions made by the other authorities may not have included proposals to open an academy, because either they already had an academy open or in the pipeline, or because open or planned academies are outside of the geographical area covered by their BSF projects.
	 Wave  1
	Bristol(1) (also W4)
	Bradford(1)
	Gateshead
	Greenwich(1)
	Knowsley
	Lancashire(1)
	Leeds(1)
	Leicester(1)
	Lewisham (also W3)( )(1)
	Manchester(1) (also W4)
	Newcastle Upon Tyne(1)
	Sheffield(1) (also W4)
	Solihull(1)
	South Tyneside
	Southwark (also W3)( )(1)
	Stoke-on-Trent(1)
	Sunderland(1)
	Waltham Forest(1)
	 Wave 2
	Birmingham(1)
	Hackney(1)
	Haringey(1) (also W4)
	Islington(1)
	Kingston Upon Hull(1)
	Lambeth(1)
	Liverpool(1)
	Middlesbrough(1)
	Newham(1)
	Nottingham City(1)
	Tower Hamlets
	 Wave 3
	Barnsley(1)
	Derbyshire(1)
	Durham(1)
	Kent(1) (also W4)
	Luton(1)
	North Lincolnshire(1)
	Salford(1)
	Sandwell(1)
	Tameside(1)
	Westminster(1)
	 Wave 4
	Barking and Dagenham(1)
	Blackburn with Darwin(1)
	Cambridgeshire
	Coventry(1)
	Essex(1)
	Hertfordshire(1)
	Oldham(1)
	Rochdale(1)
	Somerset
	Telford and Wrekin(1)
	(1) Indicates that the local authority either has an Academy open or one in the pipeline

Bullying: Internet

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent estimate he has made of the incidence of bullying of children  (a) via the internet and  (b) by mobile phone text messaging.

Kevin Brennan: holding answer 27 November 2007
	We are unable to provide definitive figures for numbers of bullying incidents at school as we do not collect these data centrally. However our recent guidance on cyberbullying, incorporated as part of our comprehensive anti-bullying guidance "Safe to Learn: embedding anti-bullying work in schools", included a range of survey evidence on the extent of cyberbullying. This is summarised as follows:
	Research carried out for the Anti-Bullying Alliance by Goldsmiths College found that 22 per cent. of 11 to 16-year-olds had been a victim of cyberbullying;
	The MSN cyberbullying report (2006) found that 11 per cent. of UK teens had experienced cyberbullying;
	Noret and River's four year study on bullying (2007) found that 15 per cent. of the 11,227 children surveyed had received nasty or aggressive texts and e-mails, and demonstrated a year on year increase in the number of children who are bullied using new technology;
	Research conducted as part of the DCSF cyberbullying information campaign found that 34 per cent. of 12 to 15-year-olds reported having been cyberbullied.

Children in Care: Boarding Schools

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent assessment he has made of the implementation by local authorities of the policy of offering boarding school education where appropriate to looked-after children.

Kevin Brennan: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The Thomas Coram Research Unit of the Institute of Education is evaluating the work of the 12 local authorities that are part of pathfinder arrangements for placing vulnerable children in boarding schools. Regular reports are made to the project's steering group and the full evaluation report will be published in October 2008.

Children in Care: Pupil Exclusions

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how many children in the care of each local authority were excluded from school in each of the last three years;
	(2)  how many children in the care of a local authority placed outside that authority area were excluded from school in each of the last three years, broken down by authority.

Kevin Brennan: holding answer 26 November 2007
	The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate costs.
	The first year for which an in-care indicator was directly collected for permanently excluded pupils was 2005/06, collected in January 2007 via the School Census. The Department holds this information at individual level but this is not readily available at either local authority or national level.
	Exclusions data for the 2006/07 school year are expected to be available in June 2008.

Children: Abuse

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how many children who were referred for an initial assessment from social services were suspected to be in danger of  (a) abuse and  (b) neglect in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many children  (a) received a core assessment from social services and  (b) had further contact with social services as a result of their core assessment in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many children were  (a) referred for an initial assessment from social services and  (b) received an initial assessment from social services in each of the last five years;
	(4)  what proportion of core assessments for children referred to children's social care were completed within the target timescale of 35 working days from the day of the initial assessment in the latest period for which figures are available.

Kevin Brennan: The available information can be found in SFR28/2007, Referrals, Assessments and Children and Young People who are the subject of a Child Protection Plan or are on Child Protection Registers, at http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000742/index.shtml on the Department's website. The answer to question 170799 can be found in table E, the other available answers are in table A. The department does not hold information on the number of children who had further contact with social services as a result of their core assessment (PQ170800 part b).
	
		
			  Table A: Referrals of children and young people to children's social care services, and assessments completed  Years ending 31 March 2003 to 2007  Coverage: England 
			   Number  Percentage 
			   2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			  Referrals of children to children's social care services( 1)   
			 All referrals during year 570,200 572,700 552,000 569,300 545,000 100 100 100 100 100 
			  of which:   
			 Referrals within 12 months of a previous referral(2) 125,900 127,400 121,800 132,500 123,900 22 22 22 23 23 
			  Initial assessments completed in the year(1)   
			 All initial assessments completed in the year 263,900 290,800 290,300 300,200 305,000 100 100 100 100 100 
			  of which:   
			 Initial assessments completed within 7 working days of referral 149,400 169,100 179,200 194,900 208,700 57 58 62 65 68 
			 Initial assessments completed in year as a percentage of all referrals in year — — — — — 46 51 53 53 56 
			  Core assessments completed in the year( 1)   
			 Total number of core assessments completed in the year 55,700 63,600 74,100 84,800 93,400 100 100 100 100 100 
			  of which:   
			 Core assessments completed within 35 working days of initial assessments(3) 31,000 39,400 49,700 63,100 73,300 56 62 67 74 78 
			 (1) Figures for referrals, initial assessments and core assessments include unborn children. (2) Re-referrals relate to a previous referral to the same authority only. (3) Or within 35 working days of the trigger event where this was not an initial assessment. Indicator C 64 of the Performance Assessment Framework: The proportion of core assessments that were completed within 35 working days of their commencement.  Source:  CPR3 
		
	
	
		
			  Table E: Children who became the subject of a Child Protection Plan (CPP)1 , by category of abuse  Years ending 31 March 2003 to 2007  Coverage: England 
			   Number  Percentage 
			  Category of abuse  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 Neglect 11,700 12,600 13,200 13,700 14,800 39 41 43 43 44 
			 Physical abuse 5,700 5,800 5,500 5,100 5,100 19 19 18 16 15 
			 Sexual abuse 3,000 2,800 2,700 2,600 2,500 10 9 9 8 7 
			 Emotional abuse 5,400 5,700 5,700 6,700 7,800 18 18 19 21 23 
			 Mixed / not recommended by 'Working Together(') 4,400 4,300 3,700 3,300 3,200 15 14 12 11 10 
			 (1) Where a child was made the subject of a child protection plan (registered) more than once in the year within the same authority, each registration has been counted. These include unborn children.  Source:  CPR3

Children: Databases

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the number of people who will be able to access information from eCaf.

Kevin Brennan: holding answer 22 November 2007
	We are to commission a detailed survey of the number of practitioners who will need to have access to the eCAF system.
	However, it should be noted that security arrangements within the eCAF system will ensure that practitioners will only be allowed access to the entries for children with whom they are, legitimately, working and even then, only with the informed, explicit consent of the child or young person (or their parent/carer where appropriate).

Children: Databases

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many officials in  (a) his Department and  (b) other Departments and Government agencies are eligible to have access to the entire content of the ContactPoint database.

Kevin Brennan: No officials from the Department will have access to records held on ContactPoint. Once ContactPoint is deployed, local authority data controllers will have responsibility for the accuracy of records of children and young people ordinarily resident in their areas. Government Departments, local authorities and agencies—for example the NHS, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre (CEOP), and the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)—whose staff are responsible for safeguarding children and ensuring their well-being, and who need to use ContactPoint as part of their job, will be able to access and amend child records for children with whom they are working. The significant majority of users will be children's services practitioners, not government officials.
	We have contracted with Capgemini for the purposes of operating the national system, maintaining data quality and technical system support. The computer system will be in a secure location, physically removed from the Department.
	There are a number of tests that must be carried out prior to the deployment of ContactPoint in respect of data management, user acceptance, and security which will involve a small number of local authority data managers and data specialists from within the ContactPoint project.
	Everyone involved in the tests will be subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check before they access any live data. The majority of these tests will be carried out using 'synthetic' test data. Where live data are used, the tests will be carried out in a physically isolated, secure test environment.
	Access to ContactPoint will be strictly limited to those who need it to do their job. The number of users is estimated to be around 330,000 and will include small teams of data administrators in each local authority area and practitioners from education, Connexions, health, social care, youth offending services, police and the voluntary sector. These persons are clearly specified in regulation 9 and schedule 3 of the Children Act 2004 Information Database (England) Regulations 2007, and will be able to access individual records after providing a legitimate reason to do so, but will not be able to view or download the entire database.

Children: Databases

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what account he plans to take of the findings of the Making ContactPoint Work initiative conducted by the Children's Rights Director for England in the development of ContactPoint;
	(2)  if he will review the number of people to whom his Department will make the details stored on ContactPoint available with a view to reducing risks of deliberate and inadvertent misuse of personal data;
	(3)  if he will reduce the number of children on whom ContactPoint will store information;
	(4)  what discussions his Department has had on access to ContactPoint since 15 November 2007.

Kevin Brennan: We welcome the report 'Making ContactPoint Work', published last week by the Children's Rights Director for England, Roger Morgan. In fact, my Department specifically requested Roger Morgan to ask children what they thought of the proposals set out in draft Government guidance about ContactPoint. We acknowledge fully and understand that children and young people quite reasonably want reassurances about security and access.
	The views of children and young people are central to the development of ContactPoint. In fact, 'Making ContactPoint Work', representing the views of 62 children, is a small part of the overall consultation DCSF has undertaken with children and young people. More than 1,000 children have already been consulted about ContactPoint and overall findings have shown that, once young people understand what ContactPoint is, they usually agree it is a positive thing. The views and issues they raise have played, and continue to play, an important role in the development of ContactPoint. Further consultation with young people and parents and carers is planned.
	Access to ContactPoint will be limited strictly to those who need it to do their job (currently estimated at around 330,000 practitioners). All users will be subject to stringent security controls and, before being granted access, must have completed mandatory face-to-face training, have obtained security clearance (including enhanced Criminal Records Bureau clearance) and have a user name, a password, a PIN and a security token to control their access to ContactPoint. Mandatory face-to-face training will include the safe and secure use of ContactPoint and the importance of compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Human Rights Act 1998.
	To gain access to a child's record, all users will have to state clear reasons why they are accessing ContactPoint. All use of the system will be monitored and audited and every access to a child's record will be detailed in the ContactPoint audit trail. This will be regularly monitored by local authorities, using online User Activity Reports, to ensure that any misuse is detected and that appropriate action is taken.
	ContactPoint will include all children in England because it is not possible to predict accurately, in advance, which children will need additional services. Any child or young person could require the support of additional services at any time in their childhood. We want to support early intervention for children to help prevent situations becoming critical.
	Officials at the DCSF were briefed, on 20 November, by Treasury colleagues about the loss of the data at the HMRC. DCSF Ministers have been kept closely informed about how the issue is being dealt with at HMRC and the other agencies involved.
	As soon as we were aware of the issue, we made contact with the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and HM Treasury to identify any potential children's welfare issues. As child safety and welfare issues are an absolute priority for us, we are maintaining close contact with the agencies involved to ensure that we all remain vigilant to any child welfare issues that may arise.
	On Tuesday 20 November, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, asked the Department's Permanent Secretary to conduct an immediate assessment of how personal data are stored and protected in the Department. The Permanent Secretary reported back within 24 hours to confirm the Department is confident that we have very robust procedures in place. In light of the security breach at the HMRC, we are continuing to check our procedures to ensure standards are as high as they can be. On Wednesday 21 November, the Prime Minister confirmed this approach when he asked all Departments to check their procedures for the storage and use of data. Given the obvious importance of ensuring that ContactPoint has extremely robust security measures in place, the Secretary of State, also on Tuesday 20 November, asked for an independent assessment of its security procedures, which will be conducted by Deloitte.

Children: Day Care

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what child care provisions are available for refugee and asylum-seeking women who are taking English for speakers of other languages classes; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	It is up to local authorities to ensure there are sufficient child care places available to meet local demand. They receive funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families which can be used to secure sufficient child care in line with local needs.
	Subject to their individual circumstances, refugees have access to the full range of benefits and services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. This includes Jobcentre Plus customers on New Deal for Lone Parents or New Deal for Partners, who can access child care to allow them to participate in the provision. This includes English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) training.
	More generally, ESOL classes are provided by the Learning and Skills Council. Attendance for ESOL training is voluntary and while attending such courses, there are a number of ways that learners can access child care provision. DWP's Employability Skills Programme learners in receipt of jobseeker's allowance and undertaking a programme of a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for help with child care costs. The discretionary Learner Support Fund allocated to providers by the Learning and Skills Council can be used to support child care costs for learners aged 20 and above. Some local European Social Funding allocations can also be used to support child care costs. This varies from project to project depending on the scope and purpose of the project. In addition to this, learning undertaken by parents through Family Literacy, Language and Numeracy can also offer child care provision in some places. This support is not mandatory but informal arrangements are made by a number of providers.
	None of the funding available from Department for Work and Pensions or the Learning and Skills Council is available to asylum seekers; The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) provide support to asylum seekers, and their dependants, who are destitute or likely to become destitute in the immediate future. No specific child care provision for asylum-seeking women who are taking English for speakers of other languages classes is given.

Children: Day Care

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what data his Department collects on the take-up of child care by families on low incomes.

Beverley Hughes: The Parents' Childcare Survey collects information on take-up of child care by household income. The 2004 survey .showed that higher income families were more likely to have used child care in the last week than lower income families; 73 per cent. of families with a yearly income over £32,000 had used any child care in the last week, compared with 56 per cent. of families with a yearly income of under £10,000(1).
	(1) Childcare and Early Years Provision: A Study of Parents' Use, Views and Experiences, Research Report 723; DfES. Bryson, C., Kazimirski, A. and Southwood, H. (2006). This report is available at: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR723.pdf
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   Under £10,000  £10,000 to £19,999  £20,000 to £31,999  £32,000+ 
			 Used any child care 56 60 68 73 
			 Used formal care 31 36 43 52 
			 Used informal care 38 41 45 45 
		
	
	By 2008, the Department aims to increase the number of children in lower-income working families using formal child care by 120,000 children from the 2004-05 baseline of 614,000 children. This baseline is estimated from the 2004 Parents' Childcare Survey data.
	This forms part of the PSA target to 'Safeguard children and young people, improve their life outcomes and general well-being, and break cycles of deprivation' and will contribute to achieving this target by helping to reduce the proportion of children living in households where no-one is working.
	The figures showing progress towards this target will be available in February 2008 when the results of the 2007 Parents' Childcare Survey will be published.

Children: Disability Aids

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on the provision of alternative and augmentative communication equipment aids for children with disabilities.

Jim Knight: The Government recently launched the Bercow Review, which is an independent review of speech and language provision, led by John Bercow MP and supported by officials from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Department of Health (DH). One of the specific issues to be considered by the review will be the effective provision of assistive and augmentative communication (AAC) technology.
	The review is currently seeking evidence from all interested groups and individuals, including through a focus group facilitated by Scope which will consider the provision of alternative and augmentative communication equipment aids. The Government will respond to the Review's findings and recommendations following publication of the final report in July 2008.
	Also, the Department of Health are leading on a review on community equipment, launched together with the wheelchair services review in June 2006. On completion of the review, the Government plan to deliver a radical reform of community equipment, with full consideration of and provision for the needs of children. On completion of the community equipment review, my Department will work closely with the Department of Health to assist in the implementation of the recommendations.

Children: Sexual Offences

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps have been taken by his Department to tackle child sexual exploitation.

Kevin Brennan: The Department has taken a number of steps to tackle child sexual exploitation, including publication in April 2006 of the updated 'Working Together to Safeguard Children', the main inter-agency guide to working together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. 'Working Together' stresses the need to treat children involved in prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation primarily as the victims of abuse and advises that agencies should work together to develop local protocols. It also includes guidance for practitioners on sharing information with children's social care and the police about underage sexual activity, in response to recommendation 13 of the Bichard Inquiry Report, and sets out a number of considerations that practitioners should take into account in assessing when and how to share information about underage sexual activity. These include indicators of possible sexual exploitation. We have also established Local Safeguarding Children Boards, which have a role in co-ordinating work to safeguard children from sexual exploitation in each local area; and have published draft guidance to help agencies safeguard children who may have been trafficked. We are currently updating 'Safeguarding Children involved in prostitution', which was originally published in 2000 as supplementary guidance to the 1999 edition of 'Working Together'. The revised guidance will have a wider scope and cover safeguarding children from sexual exploitation more generally.

Departmental Correspondence

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what percentage of inquiries received by his Department from the public were responded to within  (a) one week,  (b) 14 days,  (c) 28 days,  (d) two months and  (e) three months in the last period for which figures are available; and in what percentage of cases it took (i) over three months and (ii) over one year to respond.

Kevin Brennan: This Department does not hold the information in the format required. Our performance for correspondence from MPs and Peers is published annually by way of a written ministerial statement. The Department for Children, Schools and Families has only been in existence since June 2007; performance figures for the Department for Education and Skills for 2006 were published on 28 March 2007,  Official Report, column 101WS. Information for DfES and DCSF for 2007 will be published as soon as it is ready after the end of the calendar year.
	Overall performance for all correspondence (MPs, Peers and the public) is given in the Department's annual report. The DfES Annual Report for 2007 was published in May this year and is available on the Department's website:
	www.dcsf.gsi.gov.uk

Departmental Manpower

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many people aged  (a) 30 to 39,  (b) 40 to 49,  (c) 50 to 59 and  (d) 60 to 69 years have (i) applied for jobs, (ii) received interviews and (iii) gained  (A) temporary and  (B) permanent jobs in his Department in 2007.

Kevin Brennan: The Department was formed as part of the Machinery of Government changes on 28 June 2007. Numbers of staff recruited to the new Department since then have been small. The figures are set out by the relevant age bands in the following table:
	
		
			  Age range  Permanent  Temporary 
			 under 30 40 11 
			 30-39 33 3 
			 40-49 18 1 
			 50-59 8 0 
			 60-69 0 0 
		
	
	Detailed information on applicants and interviews is held by individual teams and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisors

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the office costs for his Department's special advisers for 2007-08 are expected to be, including costs of support staff; and how many full-time equivalent civil servants work in support of such special advisers.

Kevin Brennan: Three civil servants support the special advisers in the Department. They provide administrative support of a non-political nature in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.
	Office costs will be accounted for in the 2007/08 departmental annual report and accounts.

Departmental Orders and Regulations

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many regulations his Department and its predecessors  (a) made and  (b) revoked in the last 12 months.

Kevin Brennan: The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and its predecessor, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), in as much as DfES covered areas of work now covered by DCSF, made 97 regulations and revoked 55 in the 12 months which ended on 27 November 2007.

Departmental Property

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much was spent by his Department and its predecessor on renovation and refurbishment of its properties in each of the last five years.

Kevin Brennan: The information is as follows:
	
		
			   Amount (£) 
			 2002-03 1,300,503.00 
			 2003-04 378,638.00 
			 2004-05 764,021.00 
			 2005-06 745,000.00 
			 2006-07 2,175,000.00

Departmental Public Participation

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will place in the Library copies of each document prepared for each of his Department's citizens' juries.

Jim Knight: The Department for Children, Schools and Families has conducted five citizens' juries, one in Bristol on 6 September and four other deliberative debates in London, Leeds, Portsmouth and Birmingham all held on 29 September. Copies of the programmes, including questions debated and other relevant material from these juries have been placed in the House Library as requested.

Departmental Secondment

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many secondments of staff were made  (a) to and  (b) from his Department in each year since 1997; which organisations staff were seconded (i) to and (ii) from; how many staff were seconded in each year; for how long each secondment lasted; and what the cost was of each secondment in each year.

Kevin Brennan: The Department came into being as part of the Machinery of Government changes on 28 June 2007. The following tables therefore apply to the current year only. A total of  (a) 81 staff are seconded to the Department and  (b) 38 from the Department, with the specific numbers and organisations listed in the following tables.
	Secondments are normally for a period of between three months and three years. The Department normally meets the costs of inward secondees, with the host organisations meeting outward secondee costs. Details of specific individual placement costs could be provided only at disproportionate cost, but as a guideline all of the secondments listed are at standard civil service grades from administrative assistant to Grade 6.
	
		
			  Organisation  Number of inward secondees 2007 
			 London borough of Ealing 1 
			 NHS Business Services Authority 1 
			 Northamptonshire county council 2 
			 Commission for Social Care Inspection 5 
			 Cheshire county council 1 
			 Leicestershire county council 1 
			 London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham 1 
			 City of Sunderland Children's Services 1 
			 Westminster city council 1 
			 East Sussex county council 1 
			 Wokingham district council 1 
			 CSWP, Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire 1 
			 Rochdale metropolitan borough council 1 
			 Centre for British Teachers 1 
			 Bath and North East Somerset council 1 
			 Southend-on-Sea county council 1 
			 Haringey council 1 
			 Buckinghamshire county council 1 
			 Rotherham metropolitan borough council 1 
			 Lancashire county council 3 
			 Lincolnshire South West PCT 1 
			 Wiltshire county council 1 
			 London borough of Enfield 1 
			 Redcar and Cleveland borough council 1 
			 Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust 1 
			 Education Leeds 2 
			 East of England Health Authority 1 
			 South West Peninsula Strategic Health Authority 1 
			 Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust 1 
			 Devon county council 1 
			 Sefton MBC 1 
			 Cornwall county council 1 
			 Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority 1 
			 North Yorkshire county council 1 
			 Hertfordshire county council 2 
			 Cambridgeshire county council 1 
			 Kingston Upon Hull city council 1 
			 Swindon borough council 1 
			 BBC 1 
			 Edexcel 1 
			 Leeds Metropolitan University 1 
			 Nottinghamshire county council 2 
			 Service Birmingham 1 
			 Essex county council 1 
			 Farming and Countryside Education 1 
			 Highcliffe School 1 
			 Garforth Community College 1 
			 Fullbrook School 1 
			 Diocese of Bath and Wells 1 
			 Oxfordshire county council 1 
			 University of Wolverhampton 1 
			 Norfolk county council 1 
			 Dorset county council 2 
			 CFBT 1 
			 Manchester city council 1 
			 Wootton Bassett School 1 
			 Buckinghamshire LEA 1 
			 Slough borough council 1 
			 Crown Hills Community College 1 
			 Building Research Establishment 1 
			 Rotherham LEA 1 
			 Greig City Academy 1 
			 Doncaster MBC 1 
			 Worcestershire county council 1 
			 The King John School 1 
			 St. Mary's Catholic High School 1 
			 Fred Longworth High School 1 
			 Business in the Community 1 
			 Haybridge High School and Sixth Form 1 
			 British High Commission NZ 1 
		
	
	
		
			  Organisation  Number of outward secondees 2007 
			 Sheffield city council 1 
			 Industrial Trust 1 
			 General Social Care Council 1 
			 National Children's Bureau 1 
			 Green Dreams 1 
			 Learning and Teaching Scotland 1 
			 NASS 1 
			 Darlington borough council 1 
			 Children's Workforce Development Council 3 
			 Croydon council 1 
			 Skills for Care 1 
			 HM Prison Service 1 
			 TDA 1 
			 Royal National Institute for Deaf People 1 
			 Royal Anniversary Trust 1 
			 National School for Government 1 
			 Tribal Education and Technology 1 
			 TUC Unionlearn NW 1 
			 Rotherham metropolitan borough council 1 
			 Sector Skills Development Agency 1 
			 Centre for Excellence in Leadership 1 
			 Skills for Health 1 
			 NSW Department for Education and Training 1 
			 East Sussex county council 1 
			 Doncaster LEA 1 
			 Women's National Commission 1 
			 London borough of Waltham Forest 1 
			 Fathers Direct 1 
			 Basque Regional Government 1 
			 London borough of Hackney 1 
			 London borough of Tower Hamlets 1 
			 National College for School Leadership 1 
			 Surrey county council 1 
			 Voluntary Action Rotherham 1 
			 Farming and Countryside Education 1 
			 Skills for Justice 1

Education: Assessments

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what the costs of administering national tests at  (a) Key Stage 1,  (b) Key Stage 2,  (c) Key Stage 3,  (d) Key Stage 4 and  (e) AS level were in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the cost of the national examination and national testing systems in England was for all maintained schools in each year since 1997-98; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority's estimate of the costs of delivering the national curriculum tests for Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 are as follows:
	
		
			  Total cost of NCT 
			  £000 
			 2007-08 50,570 
			 2006-07 51,559 
			 2005-06 51,743 
			 2004-05 43,828 
			 2003-04 40,231 
			 2002-03 38,944 
			 2001-02 28,074 
			 2000-01 28,014 
			 1999-2000 25,693 
			 1998-99 19,672 
		
	
	QCA's records do not support the split of this information between the various key stages.
	Public examinations at Key Stage 4 and GCE AS level are administered by independent awarding bodies. Information on their costs is not collected centrally in the form requested. There are no fees for national curriculum tests for maintained schools. The information in the following table covers the costs incurred by all local authority maintained primary, secondary and special schools, for test administration and examination entry fees and any accreditation costs related to pupils taking GCSEs, GNVQs, AS and A2 qualifications.
	
		
			  £ million 
			  Academic year( 1)  Amount spent on examination entries 
			 2002-03 156 
			 2003-04 174 
			 2004-05 198 
			 2005-06 220 
			 (1) It was only in 2002-03 that the Department began collecting information in sufficient detail to answer this question. 
		
	
	These costs, essential for recognising individual achievement and monitoring the performance of the system, represent a small fraction of the total annual public investment in education.

Education: Cost Efficiency

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much of the planned efficiency savings under the Spending Review 2004 are expected to be generated by  (a) Using Cover Supervisors, listed as element A1(b) on page 7,  (b) Pay Restructuring, listed as element A1(c) on page 7 and  (c) Modernisation of the Teachers Pension Scheme, listed as element A1(d) on page 8 of the departmental Efficiency Technical Note of April 2006.

Jim Knight: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 26 November 2007,  Official  R eport, column 267W, to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable). Details of DCSF's progress towards our Gershon target will be reported in the Department's Autumn Performance Report. This will be published on 7 December 2007.

Education: Disabled

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what studies his Department has made of the effectiveness of assistive technologies to assist with the learning of visually impaired and dyslexic children in primary and secondary schools.

Kevin Brennan: The Department has not carried out formal studies into the effectiveness of assistive technologies. The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice which provides advice on carrying out statutory duties to identify, assess and make provision for pupils' special educational needs says that schools should explore the possible benefits of, and where practicable, secure access for a pupil to appropriate technology. The code also makes it clear that local authorities and schools must make decisions about which actions and provision are appropriate for which pupils on an individual basis.
	The Department is currently working with RNIB and a number of other organisations including the British Dyslexia Association to improve the provision of educational materials in accessible formats in schools.

Education: Immigrants

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the effect of migration from A8 countries on education spending per capita in each Government Office of the region.

Jim Knight: The Government have made no specific assessment of the effect of migration from A8 countries on education spending per capita in each Government Office region. School funding is based on overall pupil projections, using ONS population projections, which take account of migration and birth rate. School funding for individual local authorities is allocated on actual pupil numbers based on the January school census.
	The Department for Children, Schools and Families has recently announced an additional exceptional circumstances grant to local authorities with significant extra pressures on their schools budgets from new arrivals, between January and the start of the school-year. This will be on a case by case basis when there is a significant increase in pupil numbers in a local authority; or where the proportion of EAL pupils significantly increases in a local authority.

Educational Institutions: Crime

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many students in Romford have been charged with a criminal offence by the police for incidents that took place  (a) in educational institutions or  (b) on school property in each of the last five years.

Jim Knight: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Free School Meals

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the change in the proportion of children entitled to free school dinners at  (a) denominational primary schools,  (b) denominational secondary schools,  (c) maintained primary schools,  (d) maintained secondary schools,  (e) grammar schools and  (f) academies in each year since 1990.

Jim Knight: The available information for 1997, 2002 and 2007 is given in the table:
	
		
			  Maintained primary and secondary schools ( 1) : School meal arrangements by denomination of school  Position in January each year: 1997, 2002 and 2007—England 
			   Maintained primary schools 
			   Faith schools  Other schools  Total 
			   Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 
			 1997 (2) 1,235,350 205,660 16.6 3,193,260 732,860 23.0 4,428,620 938,540 21.2 
			 2002 (2) 1,223,840 154,100 12.6 3,139,430 596,500 19.0 4,363,260 750,590 17.2 
			 2007 (3) 1,198,860 139,100 11.6 2,911,890 516,400 17.7 4,110,750 655,510 15.9 
		
	
	
		
			   Maintained secondary schools 
			   Faith schools  Other schools  Total 
			   Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 
			 1997 (2) 604 91,460 15.1 2,432,210 461,440 19.0 3,036,990 552,900 18.2 
			 2002 (2) 500 65,090 13.0 2,760,000 421,270 15.3 3,260,930 486,350 14.9 
			 2007 (3) 526 59,830 11.4 2,745,880 369,870 13.5 3,272,460 429,700 13.1 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Number of pupils include those with sole and dual registration. Excludes boarders. (3) Includes pupils with sole and dual main registration. Includes boarders.  Note: Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. There may be discrepancies between the sum of constituent items and totals as shown.  Source:  School Census 
		
	
	
		
			  Secondary schools: School meal arrangements  Position in January each year: 1997, 2002 and 2007—England 
			   Maintained secondary schools 
			   Grammar schools  Other maintained secondary schools 
			   Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 
			 1997 (2) 127,780 4,730 3.7 2,909,220 548,170 18.8 
			 2002 (2) 147,790 3,260 2.2 3,113,140 483,090 15.5 
			 2007 (3) 156,870 3,140 2.0 3,115,610 426,560 13.7 
		
	
	
		
			   Maintained secondary schools  Academies 
			   Total  
			   Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Number of pupils  Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals  Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 
			 1997 (2) 3,036,990 552,900 18.2 n/a n/a n/a 
			 2002 (2) 3,260,930 486,350 14.9 n/a n/a n/a 
			 2007 (3) 3,272,480 429,700 13.1 41.561 13,894 33.4 
			 n/a = not available (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Number of pupils include those with sole and dual registration. Excludes boarders. (3) Includes pupils with sole and dual main registration. Includes boarders.  Note: Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. There may be discrepancies between the sum of constituent items and totals as shown.  Source:  School Census

Free School Meals: Havering

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of students in  (a) Romford and  (b) the London borough of Havering is eligible to receive free school meals.

Jim Knight: The available information is given in the table and relates to the number of pupils who are known to be eligible for, and are claiming, free school meals.
	
		
			  Maintained primary and secondary schools ( 1) : school meal arrangements  As at January 2007 
			   Maintained primary schools  Maintained secondary schools 
			   Romford parliamentary constituency  Havering local authority area  Romford parliamentary constituency  Havering local authority area 
			 Number on roll (2) 6,809 19,130 4,337 16,599 
			 Number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 703 2,154 438 1,560 
			 Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals 10.3 11.3 10.1 9.4 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes pupils with sole and dual (main) registration.  Source:  School Census

General Certificate of Secondary Education: Standards

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what percentage of pupils in  (a) England,  (b) London,  (c) the London Borough of Havering and  (d) Romford constituency achieved more than five A*-C grades at GCSE in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The information requested can be found in the following table.
	
		
			  Percentage of 15-year-old pupils achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent 
			   (a) England  (b) London  (c) Havering local authority  (d) Romford constituency 
			 1996/97 45.1 40.4 48.1 41.7 
			 1997/98 46.3 42.1 50.1 42.6 
			 1998/99 47.9 43.6 54.2 46.8 
			 1999/2000 49.2 45.0 55.8 48.4 
			 2000/01 50.0 46.1 55.7 47.6 
			 2001/02 51.6 48.5 57.3 52.8 
			 2002/03 52.9 50.7 60.8 58.2 
			 2003/04 53.7 53.0 62.6 62.3 
			 2004/05 56.3 55.3 61.1 55.0 
			 2005/06 58.5 58.0 63.1 63.4 
			 2006/07 60.3 59.4 63.9 — 
			  Notes: Figures for 2006/07 are provisional, all other figures are final. Based on age at the start of the school year ie 31 August. Constituency level figures are not yet available for 2006/07.

Geronimo Communications

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what tendering arrangements were used to select Geronimo Communications for departmental contracts since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: Geronimo Communications have had a contractual relationship with the Department since 1999. The first two contracts were as a result of competitive domestic tenders. Contractual arrangements since 2000 have been won by EU tenders advertised in the OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union). Projects since 2000 have been placed with Geronimo Communications via the subsequent framework agreements set up as a result of the EU tenders.
	The breakdown is as follows:
	
		
			  Contract Number  Dates  Tender method  Services covered 
			 1840 2007-2010-11 OJEU 2006 Writing and Editorial 
			 1665 2004-2009 OJEU 2003 PR 
			 1490 2000-2004 OJEU 2000 PR 
			 1427 2000-2001 Domestic tender 99 PR 
			 1384 1999-2000 Domestic tender 99 PR

Geronimo Communications

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the answer of 13 November 2007,  Official Report, column 158W, what services were provided to his Department and its predecessors by Geronimo Communications in each year since 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: Geronimo has provided media relations support within departmental information campaigns (often concentrating on local and regional media and specialist media outlets). While in some campaigns their contribution has worked alongside advertising, in many others it is the main plank of the campaign strategy.
	The campaigns in which Geronimo has worked are:
	1999-2000
	New deal for young people (18-24) and over 25s
	Millennium volunteers
	Age diversity
	2000-01
	New deal for young people (18-24) and over 25s
	Millennium volunteers
	Age diversity
	IT learning centres
	Uk online centres
	Connexions
	2001-02
	Millennium volunteers
	UK online centres
	Foundation degrees
	Dads and lads
	Widening access to higher education
	Age positive advertising
	Access to learning for adults
	Aim higher
	2002-03
	Millennium volunteers
	UK on-line centres
	Connexions
	Dads and sons
	Aim higher
	Corporate publicity
	2003-04
	Millennium volunteers
	UK online centres
	Connexions
	Aim higher
	2004-05
	Millennium volunteer of the year 2004-05
	Aim higher
	2005-06
	Aim higher
	Press cuttings
	Encouraging parents
	Parents information marketing
	London challenge
	City academies
	2006-07
	Aim higher
	Attendance
	London challenge
	City academies
	2007-08
	Aim higher
	Children's plan consultation
	Early years careers
	Childcare and early learning
	Extended schools
	London challenge and city challenge
	Attendance
	City academies
	Student finance fulfilment
	Diplomas
	The campaigns for 2007-08 include ones for the newly created Department for Universities, Innovation and Skills, where these relate to areas formerly the responsibility of the Department for Education and Skills.

Gifted Children: Romford

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of students in Romford is on the Gifted and Talented programme.

Jim Knight: There are currently 1,559 children and young people identified as gifted and talented by their maintained primary and secondary schools in Romford which is 14 per cent. of the total maintained school population in the local authority. All these students are eligible to join the new Young Gifted and Talented Learner Academy (YG and T).

Headteachers

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the Statement of the Prime Minister of 14 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 667-72, on national security, when he plans to convene the new forum of head teachers referred to by the Prime Minister; who he expects its members to be; what he expects the costs to be; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: We are in discussion with head teachers on how to convene the forum and what its role will be. We expect the costs to be minimal.

Higher Education

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of 16-year olds went on to  (a) A levels,  (b) further education,  (c) other vocational training and  (d) higher education in (i) Southend and (ii) each local authority in Essex in each of the last two years for which figures are available.

Jim Knight: The following tables show the proportion of all academic age 16-year-olds participating in maintained schools, independent schools, sixth form colleges, other further education institutions and work based learning. The figures are provided for Southend-on-Sea, Essex and Thurrock for 2004 and 2005, the last two years for which figures are available. Participation by local authority is not broken down by the qualifications being studied.
	Participation of 16-year-olds in education and training is published in the Statistical First Release, Participation in Education, Training and Employment by 16-18 Year Olds in England: 2005 and 2006 and Participation in Education and Training by 16 and 17 Year Olds in each Local Area in England: 2004 and 2005. Please see the following link:
	http://www.dfees.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000734/index.shtml
	
		
			  Table 1: Participation in education and training of 16 yea r olds by LEAs in Essex, 2005, f ull-time education 
			  Percentage  of 16-year olds 
			   Maintained schools( 1)  Independent schools( 2)  Sixth form college  Other FE( 3)  Total  WBL  Part-time education  Total education and WBL( 4) 
			 Essex 30 3 13 29 75 5 3 83 
			 Southend-on-Sea 40 0 9 26 74 56 3 82 
			 Thurrock 4 0 39 28 72 4 3 79 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of 16-year olds 
			   Maintained schools( 1)  Independent schools( 2)  Sixth form college  Other FE( 3)  Total  WBL  Part-time education  Total education and WBL( 4)  Population 
			 Essex 5,300 400 2,300 5,000 13,000 900 600 14,500 17,400 
			 Southend-on-Sea 800 — 200 500 1,500 100 100 1,600 2,000 
			 Thurrock 100 — 800 500 1,400 100 100 1,500 1,900 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 : Participation in education and training of 16 year olds by LEAs in Essex, 200 4 ,  f ull-time education 
			  Percentage  of 16-year olds 
			   Maintained schools( 1)  Independent schools( 2)  Sixth form college  Other FE( 3)  Total  WBL  Part-time education  Total education and WBL( 4) 
			 Essex 31 3 12 27 73 5 3 83 
			 Southend-on-Sea 39 0 10 26 74 6 2 82 
			 Thurrock 4 0 36 27 66 5 3 74 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of 16-year olds 
			   Maintained schools( 1)  Independent schools( 2)  Sixth form college  Other FE( 3)  Total  WBL  Part-time education  Total education and WBL( 4)  Population 
			 Essex 5,400 400 2,100 4,600 12,500 1,100 600 14,300 17,000 
			 Southend-on-Sea 800 — 200 500 1,500 100 — 1,700 2,000 
			 Thurrock 100 — 700 500 1,300 100 100 1,500 2,000 
			 1 Includes all pupils in maintained schools and maintained special schools. (2 )Includes all pupils in independent schools, non-maintained special schools, city technology colleges, academies and pupil referral units. (3) Includes all learners in General FE, tertiary and specialist colleges (e.g. agriculture colleges). (4) Total of all full-time and part-time education and WBL, less WBL provision in education institutions.

Higher Education: EU Nationals

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many students from EU accession countries have obtained places at London universities in each year since 2004.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	The latest available information is given in the table. Figures for 2006/07 will be available in January 2008.
	
		
			  Entrants to higher education institutions in London ( 1)  from EU accession countries ( 2)  by level of study  Academic years 2003/04 to 2005/06 
			  Level of study  Academic year  Entrants from E U accession countries 
			 Postgraduate 2003/04 495 
			  2004/05 885 
			  2005/06 1,090 
			 Undergraduate 2003/04 500 
			  2004/05 1,455 
			  2005/06 1,885 
			 Total 2003/04 995 
			  2004/05 2,335 
			  2005/06 2,975 
			 (1) Includes all Higher Education Institutions in London Government Office Region. (2) The 10 EU accession countries who joined the EU on the 1 May 2004 are—Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Notes:  Numbers are on a HESA Standard Registration population basis, and have been rounded to the nearest 5. Source:  Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). 
		
	
	Bulgaria and Romania also joined the EU in January 2007. This change will be shown in the 2006/07 figures.

International Baccalaureate: Greater London

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many schools and colleges in each London local authority offered international baccalaureates in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jim Knight: Currently, there are three maintained schools and colleges in London offering the international baccalaureate (IB). They are in Bexley, Enfield and Richmond upon Thames. A fourth local authority, Tower Hamlets, will have a school offering the IB from September 2008.
	There are also independent schools in the following local authorities currently offering the IB: Barnet, Croydon, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea, Lewisham, Merton and Westminster.

Languages: GCE A-Level

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of students in post-16 full-time education were entered for A-level or equivalent examinations in  (a) French,  (b) German,  (c) Spanish,  (d) Mandarin Chinese,  (e) Russian and  (f) another modern foreign language in (i) Ribble Valley, (ii) Lancashire and (iii) England in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: holding answer 26 November 2007
	The information required is as follows.
	Figures for Ribble Valley are available at only disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Number of pupils taking GCE A levels in England and Lancashire in academic years 1997-98 to 2006-07 
			   England 
			   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 French 19,629 17,774 15,240 15,393 13,599 12,904 12,480 11,963 12,190 12,173 
			 German 8,903 8,527 7,581 7,607 6,367 6,068 5,643 5,238 5,534 5,631 
			 Spanish 4,499 4,640 4,516 501 4,430 4,504 4,650 4,930 5,202 5,502 
			 Chinese 1,017 1,122 1,185 102 1,400 1,496 1,677 1,606 1,996 1,993 
			 Russian 455 460 490 442 415 485 451 547 522 623 
			
			 Welsh (2nd language) 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Dutch 6 18 14 32 21 24 49 73 62 69 
			 Italian 556 556 585 565 582 531 516 508 577 542 
			 Modern Greek 153 107 112 87 110 77 93 96 71 86 
			 Portuguese 96 108 118 88 125 102 115 131 141 166 
			 Arabic 0 0 0 167 188 181 218 258 259 277 
			 Bengali 86 42 41 41 37 23 28 44 38 38 
			 Gujarati 0 0 0 0 10 14 21 23 21 29 
			 Hindi 15 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Japanese 317 279 273 183 201 232 203 210 242 223 
			 Modern Hebrew 27 24 21 14 26 36 34 34 51 50 
			 Panjabi 139 89 118 108 50 83 75 96 134 94 
			 Polish 79 84 86 49 68 66 85 92 115 143 
			 Turkish 119 116 129 118 151 171 188 227 223 212 
			 Urdu 390 485 484 413 395 392 443 469 478 420 
			 Persian 0 0 0 0 71 86 83 120 154 147 
			 Total (other) 1,983 1,915 1,981 1,865 2,046 2,018 2,151 2,381 2,566 2,497 
			 Total (all modern languages) 36,486 34,438 30,993 30,910 28,257 27,475 27,052 26,665 28,010 28,419 
		
	
	
		
			   Lancashire 
			   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 French 332 230 253 247 256 237 202 200 215 207 
			 German 128 131 117 175 132 125 115 120 119 115 
			 Spanish 82 65 76 94 79 77 62 82 99 97 
			 Chinese 9 12 22 28 35 15 10 17 23 32 
			 Russian 1 0 0 3 0 2 1 3 2 2 
			 Dutch 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Italian 1 2 1 1 0 0 3 6 10 6 
			 Modern Greek 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Portuguese 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 
			 Arabic 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 2 1 
			 Bengali 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 
			 Hindi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Japanese 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 
			 Modern Hebrew 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Panjabi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Polish 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 3 
			 Turkish 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Urdu 19 32 22 24 23 23 32 29 44 30 
			 Total (other) 22 38 23 28 27 23 36 41 58 43 
			
			 Total (all modern languages) 574 476 491 575 529 479 426 463 516 496

Mathematics: GCE A-level

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what plans he has to increase the number of students taking mathematics to A-level; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: This year there were 53,416 entries for A-level mathematics (an increase of 3,611 since 2006) and 7,241 entries for A-level further mathematics (an increase of 725). The Government are committed to increasing the number of young people entered for A-level mathematics to 56,000 by 2014. They have put in place a strong programme of work to help achieve this which includes:
	Developing innovative key stage 3 lesson materials to engage young people with mathematics, along with appropriate teacher support. The materials will be available to schools in April 2008 for use in classrooms from September;
	Slimming down the national curriculum statutory programmes of study by expressing content in more general terms without losing breadth, depth, and challenge. This provides greater flexibility for schools and enables them to focus on key concepts. The new mathematics curriculum at key stages 3 and 4 will be introduced for first teaching from September 2008;
	Developing through the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority a second mathematics GCSE aimed at students who wish to gain a deeper appreciation of mathematics. It will be additional to the existing mathematics GCSE and will be introduced for first teaching from 2010;
	Producing a range of case studies which evidence school level factors associated with high levels of progression to post-16 mathematics;
	Commissioning a programme of support and guidance aimed at increasing the number of young people continuing their study of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects post-16 by showing the wide range of careers available to those who study STEM subjects;
	Commissioning a STEM communications campaign to inform pupils, parents and others of the wide ranging and existing opportunities that are open to students when they choose to study STEM subjects and qualifications up to and post-16;
	Introducing new mathematics specifications for first teaching in September 2004. They make AS and A-level mathematics more flexible and manageable;
	Funding a network of further mathematics centres to increase the number of young people taking further mathematics A-level;
	Putting in place a number of measures to step up the recruitment, retention and retraining of mathematics teachers.

Mathematics: General Certificate of Secondary Education

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  if he will place in the Library sample course materials for the proposed new functional mathematics GCSE module involving note and coin recognition;
	(2)  how much the Government have incurred in developing the proposed new functional mathematics GCSE module involving note and coin recognition.

Jim Knight: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is piloting new functional mathematics assessments at Entry Level to Level 2 for use both by young people and adults. These are being developed by awarding bodies to the functional skills standards, which have also been reflected in the new national Curriculum programmes of study at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. I shall place copies of the latest version of the functional mathematics standards in the House Library. The standards include financial literacy skills, which are vital to equipping people with the skills they need to operate in life and at work. The functional skills standards at Entry Level 1 include note and coin recognition. Entry Level 1 is of comparable standard to National Curriculum Level 1—the study done during Key Stage 1—and is being designed to be suitable for those needing to develop very basic mathematics skills.

Music: Finance

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2007,  Official Report, column 420W, on music: finance, how many local education authorities supplemented their music standards fund grants with additional spending in the last 12 months.

Jim Knight: The requested information is contained in the following table.
	
		
			  Planned net expenditure on music services (not standards fund supported)( 1)  by local authorities in England, 2007-08( 2) 
			  Local authority name  Music service (not standards fund supported)( 1, 2, 3)  (£) 
			 England 29,790,000 
			   
			 Barking and Dagenham 484,000 
			 Barnet 0 
			 Barnsley 253,000 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 92,000 
			 Bedfordshire 835,000 
			 Bexley 182,000 
			 Birmingham 313,000 
			 Blackburn and Darwen 0 
			 Blackpool 0 
			 Bolton 80,000 
			 Bournemouth 74,000 
			 Bracknell Forest 37,000 
			 Bradford 0 
			 Brent 101,000 
			 Brighton and Hove 399,000 
			 Bromley 446,000 
			 Buckinghamshire 467,000 
			 Bury 0 
			 Calderdale 125,000 
			 Cambridgeshire 151,000 
			 Camden 125,000 
			 Cheshire 242,000 
			 City of Bristol 86,000 
			 City of Kingston-upon-Hull 462,000 
			 City of London 50,000 
			 Cornwall 254,000 
			 Coventry 792,000 
			 Croydon 250,000 
			 Cumbria 74,000 
			 Darlington 122,000 
			 Derby 11,000 
			 Derbyshire 89,000 
			 Devon 76,000 
			 Doncaster 118,000 
			 Dorset 187,000 
			 Dudley 997,000 
			 Durham 410,000 
			 Ealing 0 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 395,000 
			 East Sussex 219,000 
			 Enfield 390,000 
			 Essex 805,000 
			 Gateshead 67,000 
			 Gloucestershire 60,000 
			 Greenwich 67,000 
			 Hackney 101,000 
			 Halton 0 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 0 
			 Hampshire 779,000 
			 Haringey 153,000 
			 Harrow 340,000 
			 Hartlepool 0 
			 Havering 241,000 
			 Herefordshire 0 
			 Hertfordshire 1,486,000 
			 Hillingdon 429,000 
			 Hounslow 60,000 
			 Isle of Wight 137,000 
			 Isles of Scilly 0 
			 Islington 0 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 29,000 
			 Kent 414,000 
			 Kingston upon Thames 134,000 
			 Kirklees 0 
			 Knowsley 249,000 
			 Lambeth 0 
			 Lancashire 35,000 
			 Leeds 612,000 
			 Leicester 0 
			 Leicestershire 0 
			 Lewisham 101,000 
			 Lincolnshire 638,000 
			 Liverpool (129,000) 
			 Luton 214,000 
			 Manchester 0 
			 Medway 0 
			 Merton 70,000 
			 Middlesbrough 0 
			 Milton Keynes 510,000 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 12,000 
			 Newham 0 
			 Norfolk 151,000 
			 North East Lincolnshire 0 
			 North Lincolnshire 20,000 
			 North Somerset 103,000 
			 North Tyneside 0 
			 North Yorkshire 553,000 
			 Northamptonshire 254,000 
			 Northumberland 0 
			 Nottingham City 11,000 
			 Nottinghamshire 1,247,000 
			 Oldham 185,000 
			 Oxfordshire 988,000 
			 Peterborough 0 
			 Plymouth 0 
			 Poole 52,000 
			 Portsmouth 27,000 
			 Reading 0 
			 Redbridge 867,000 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 0 
			 Richmond upon Thames 98,000 
			 Rochdale 175,000 
			 Rotherham 0 
			 Rutland 0 
			 Salford 577,000 
			 Sandwell 554,000 
			 Sefton 290,000 
			 Sheffield 232,000 
			 Shropshire 269,000 
			 Slough 0 
			 Solihull 456,000 
			 Somerset 49,000 
			 South Gloucestershire 5,000 
			 South Tyneside 117,000 
			 Southampton 603,000 
			 Southend 0 
			 Southwark 0 
			 St. Helens 0 
			 Staffordshire 200,000 
			 Stockport 4,000 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 113,000 
			 Stoke on Trent 183,000 
			 Suffolk 360,000 
			 Sunderland 59,000 
			 Surrey 223,000 
			 Sutton 56,000 
			 Swindon 3,000 
			 Tameside 0 
			 Telford and Wrekin 49,000 
			 Thurrock 70,000 
			 Torbay 0 
			 Tower Hamlets 0 
			 Trafford 229,000 
			 Wakefield 127,000 
			 Walsall 357,000 
			 Waltham Forest 246,000 
			 Wandsworth 0 
			 Warrington 0 
			 Warwickshire 1,307,000 
			 West Berkshire 0 
			 West Sussex 475,000 
			 Westminster 0 
			 Wigan 0 
			 Wiltshire 0 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 48,000 
			 Wirral 163,000 
			 Wokingham 58,000 
			 Wolverhampton 92,000 
			 Worcestershire 295,000 
			 York 189,000 
			 (1) Includes planned expenditure (not standards fund supported) on the provision of music tuition or other activities which provide opportunities for pupils to enhance their experience of music. This is drawn from local authorities' 2007-08 section 52 Budget Statements (Table 1 line 2.4.11) submitted to the DCSF (formally DfES). (2) 2007-08 figures are subject to change by the local authority. (3) Figures are rounded to the nearest £1,000 and may not sum due to rounding.  Note: Cash term figures as reported by local authorities as at 26 November 2007.

Music: Finance

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much of the annual budget for the music standards fund was allocated for  (a) instrumental and  (b) voice tuition in each of the last five years.

Jim Knight: This information is not collected centrally.

Music: Finance

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much of the annual budget for the music standards fund was  (a) devolved to schools and  (b) given to local authority music services in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jim Knight: Since 2006 the Music Standards Fund has comprised two elements. First the baseline grant to local authorities of £59 million to enhance opportunities for pupils to access high quality music education, with a priority on instrumental and vocal opportunities at Key Stage 2. Second local authorities received a new allocation through the Music Standards Fund grant, of £3million in 2006-07 and £23 million in 2007-08, to be devolved to schools serving Key Stage 2 pupils. This allocation allows primary and special schools themselves to begin buying in instrumental and vocal tuition at Key Stage 2, either from the Local Authority Music Service or from other local providers. We understand that in many local authorities schools have decided to buy in support from their local music service. In each of the years from 2008-09 to 2010-11 the whole £82 million available will go to local authorities to support the new music education ambitions set out on 21 November. However, they will be expected to secure the agreement of the School Forums as to its precise use.

National Evaluation of Children's Trusts

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will publish the National Evaluation of Children's Trusts commissioned by his Department.

Beverley Hughes: The "National Evaluation of Children's Trust Pathfinders Final Report"; was published in March 2007 and can be found at:
	http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/strategy/nect/

Ofsted

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families whether Ofsted is up-to-date with its planned cycle of inspections; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply has been placed in the Library.
	 Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 20 November 2007:
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for a response. I shall cover each area of Ofsted's remit in turn.
	 1. Early Years
	Current regulations for the inspection of childcare and funded nursery education were introduced in October 2005 and stipulate that the present prescribed cycle will run until 31 August 2009. However, Ofsted has given a commitment that these inspections will be carried out by the end of March 2008. Of the 101,614 providers, 21,081 remain to be inspected. It will be a significant challenge for Ofsted to complete all of these by the end of March 2008, but we are optimistic that we can do this. This will be over a year ahead of the prescribed cycle and will enable us to start inspecting the new Early Years Foundation Stage from its inception in September 2008, on a new prescribed cycle agreed with Government.
	 2. Maintained schools
	Under the current inspection framework for maintained schools, the Education (School Inspection) (England) Regulations 2005 stipulate that all maintained schools should be inspected between 1 September 2005 and 1 August 2009; and thereafter, they should be inspected within three school years from the end of the school year in which the last inspection took place. There are nearly 23,000 maintained schools in England. In 2005-06, 6,128 schools were inspected and in 2006-07 8,323 schools were inspected. Ofsted is therefore on target to complete inspections within the time limit prescribed by the regulations.
	 3. Colleges of further education
	Ofsted commenced a second four-year cycle of inspections of further education colleges in September 2005. Ofsted is on course to complete this cycle of inspections by August 2009.
	 4. Non-association independent schools
	Ofsted is up to date with its inspections of non-association independent schools. By April 2008 it will have completed the first cycle of inspections in these schools and will have completed 455 inspections during this financial year.
	 5. Joint area reviews of local services for children
	Under the Framework for the inspection of children's services, a joint area review of each local authority area will be carried out between September 2005 and December 2008. The scope of joint area reviews includes services for children and young people aged 0-19 years inclusive, whether provided by statutory, voluntary or private providers. There are 150 local authority areas in England. In 2005-06 fieldwork for 28 joint area reviews was completed; in 2006-07 fieldwork for 49 was completed; in 2007-08 fieldwork for 41 joint area reviews is scheduled to take place; and in 2008-09 fieldwork for 32 is scheduled. Ofsted is therefore on target to complete all joint area reviews within the time limit specified in the framework
	 6. Secure settings for young people
	The 2007-08 programme for the inspection of secure children's homes and secure training centres is on schedule to be completed as planned.
	Young offender institutions and immigration removal centres are inspected by Ofsted in partnership with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP). Ofsted works in partnership with HMIP and inspects in line with their schedule. The 2007-08 programme is on schedule to be completed as planned.
	 7. Initial teacher education
	The current initial teacher training inspection (primary and secondary provision) framework and the three year formal service agreement between Ofsted and the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) stipulate that all providers of initial teacher training should be inspected at least once between 1 September 2005 and 31 July 2008. There are 192 providers of initial teacher training in England. In 2005-06, 54 were inspected; in 2006-07, 73 were inspected; in 2007-08 Ofsted is scheduled to inspect the remaining 70 providers. Ofsted is therefore on target (192 scheduled inspections, three re-inspections, one early inspection on behalf of the TDA and one inspection spread over two years) to complete the inspection of initial teacher training within the agreed time limit for the current initial teacher training Framework.
	The current framework for the inspection of further education teacher training stipulates that all providers of further education teacher training should be inspected at least once between 1 September 2004 and 31 July 2008. There are 58 higher education institutions providing further education teacher training in England; in 2004-05 13 were inspected; in 2005-06 12 were inspected; in 2006-07 12 were inspected; in 2007-08 Ofsted is scheduled to inspect 17. Four higher education institutions providing initial teacher training had their inspections deferred according to the agreed deferral criteria and will be inspected early in the next inspection cycle. Ofsted is therefore on target to complete the inspection of further education teacher training within the agreed time limit for the current Framework.
	 8. Children's social care
	Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) (Children's Homes etc) Regulations 2007 set out the required frequency of inspection for each type of social care. The variety in the frequency of inspection stipulated makes reporting upon progress complex. However, as at 30 September 2007, Ofsted has 3,707 active institutions to inspect. (Registered children's home must have two inspections during every 12 month period). Since April 1,673 inspections have been completed. We are confident that, although the timescale is demanding, Ofsted remains on target to complete each inspection cycle.
	 9. Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)
	There is no cycle of inspections of CAFCASS. Instead, there is an annual programme of inspection of CAFCASS which focuses on issues of priority and risk. The 2007-08 programme is on schedule to be completed as planned.
	 10. Adult learning
	Ofsted is up to date with its cycles of inspection of adult learning and on course to complete them on time. The four-year cycle of work based learning should be complete by summer 2009; that for step provision by April 2009; that for adult and community learning by summer 2010 and that for leamdirect by November 2010. Ofsted is also on course to complete the various cycles of inspections of Department of Work and Pensions training providers within the planned timescales.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Jim Knight MP, Minister of State for Schools and Learners and will be placed in the Library of both Houses.

Parents: Information Services

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of local authorities' progress in preparing for the new duty under the Childcare Act 2006 of providing a comprehensive information service for all parents; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: It is for local authorities to review performance and development of current and future delivery arrangements for information services in their area, under the strategic lead of their Children's Trusts. Although no formal assessment of progress has been carried out by the Department. I am aware that many local information services have responded positively to the prospect of the broadened duty and are already providing more information than is currently required. We undertook a formal consultation with all authorities and CISs last year, and have had ongoing feedback through regular official level contact with information services and others.

Pupil Exclusions: Special Educational Needs

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of fixed period exclusions were given to pupils  (a) with special educational needs and  (b) entitled to free school meals in (i) secondary schools and (ii) primary schools in each year since 1997.

Kevin Brennan: Information on fixed period exclusions was collected for the first time for the academic year 2003/04. The available information relating to the number of fixed period exclusions by special educational needs is given in the table.
	A free school meal indicator is not directly collected for excluded pupils. The requested information could be produced by linking with other data sources, but this could be done only at disproportionate costs.
	
		
			  Maintained primary and secondary schools( 1) : Number of fixed period exclusions by special educational needs 2003/04 to 2004/05( 2, 3)  England 
			   Maintained primary schools  Maintained secondary schools 
			   Number of exclusions  Percentage of school population( 4)  Number of exclusions  Percentage of school population( 4) 
			  2003/04( 2) 
			 Pupils with statements of SEN 5,610 8.1 20,430 26.0 
			 Pupils without statements of SEN(5) 35.690 0.9 267,600 8.2 
			  
			  Of which: 
			 SEN pupils without statements 23,490 3.4 109,410 24.3 
			 Pupils with no SEN 12,200 0.3 158,190 5.7 
			 All pupils(6) 41,290 1.0 288,050 8.7 
			  
			  2004/05(2) 
			 Pupils with statements of SEN 5,730 8.5 21,980 28.7 
			 Pupils without statements of SEN(5) 37,990 0.9 307,700 9.5 
			  
			  Of which 
			 SEN pupils without statements 24,860 3.6 124,980 26.4 
			 Pupils with no SEN 13,130 0.4 182,710 6.6 
			 All pupils(7) 43,720 1.0 329,680 9.9 
			  
			  2005/06(3) 
			 Pupils with statements of SEN n/a n/a 23,300 31.6 
			 Pupils without statements of SEN(5) n/a n/a 320,490 9.9 
			  
			  Of which: 
			 SEN pupils without statements n/a n/a 164,450 32.5 
			 Pupils with no SEN n/a n/a 156,030 5.7 
			 All pupils(8) n/a n/a 343,840 10.4 
			 n/a = Not available. (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) In 2003/04, information on fixed period exclusions was collected for the first time via the Termly Exclusions Survey. (3) For the 2005/06 school year, information on fixed period exclusions was collected via the School Census for the first time (the Termly Exclusions Survey has discontinued). For exclusions during 2006/07, information on fixed period exclusions will also be collected from primary and special schools. See Notes to Editors 2. (4) The number of fixed period exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of all pupils (excluding dually registered pupils) in January each year. (5) Includes pupils with no identified SEN and those pupils with SEN without statements. (6) Totals include 12 fixed period exclusions with unclassified SEN provision. (7) Totals include 2 fixed period exclusions with unclassified SEN provision. (8) Totals include 48 fixed period exclusions with unclassified SEN provision.  Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: Termly Exclusion Survey and School Census.

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority: Expenditure

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what total expenditure has been incurred by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in each  (a) month and  (b) quarter since April 2007; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The information requested is set out in the following table:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 April 7.7 
			 May 11.6 
			 June 14.6 
			 Quarter 1 33.9 
			   
			 July 11.8 
			 August 19.7 
			 September 17.9 
			 Quarter 2 49.4 
			   
			 October 9.4

School Meals

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what guidance has been provided to schools on implementing school nutrient analysis;
	(2)  what assessment his Department has made of the achievability of the school nutrition standards iron target.

Kevin Brennan: The School Food Trust (SFT) will shortly be publishing 'A guide to introducing the Government's food-based and nutrient-based standards for school lunches'. It will be available on the SFT website in early December, and hard copies will be distributed to stakeholders including schools, local authorities and catering providers. The guide will explain the standards and give advice on implementing and monitoring them.
	The SFT has also published independent reviews of menu planning and nutrient analysis software to help providers consider how to demonstrate compliance with the nutrient-based standards. This information is available on their website at:
	http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/content.asp?Contentid=487
	The SFT has assessed the achievability of all the nutrient-based standards including the iron target in primary schools by conducting three pilot studies in March. All achieved the standards including the iron target with slight modifications to lunchtime provision. Details of these pilots will be published in the guide. Similar pilots in 12 secondary schools are currently being run; the results will be published next year.

School: Sports

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what plans he has to raise awareness among teachers of the effects of Marfan syndrome on performance in sports.

Kevin Brennan: Any identified need to raise teachers' awareness of sporting provision for pupils with Marfan syndrome is met by the physical education and school sport professional development programme. The programme is part of the national school sports strategy and is free for teachers in all local authority areas.

Schools

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many  (a) secondary schools and  (b) primary schools there are in each local authority in England.

Jim Knight: The information requested is shown in the following tables. This table can also be found as additional information to Statistical First Release 30/2007 'Schools and Pupils in England: January 2007 (Final)', which is available via the following link:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000744/index.shtml
	
		
			  Table 11: All Schools— Number of schools by type of school, by local a uthority  area and Government office r egion in England, January 2007 
			Nursery 
			LEA Mntd  Direct Grant  Total  Primary  Of which middle deemed  Secondary  Of which middle deemed 
			   England 446 2 448 17,361 86 3,343 248 
			  
			   North East 37 0 37 918 0 205 50 
			 841 Darlington 2 0 2 30 0 7 0 
			 840 Durham 12 0 12 236 0 36 0 
			 390 Gateshead 1 0 1 73 0 10 0 
			 805 Hartlepool 1 0 1 30 0 6 0 
			 806 Middlesbrough 0 0 0 42 0 6 0 
			 391 Newcastle upon Tyne 6 0 6 72 0 14 3 
			 392 North Tyneside 1 0 1 56 0 15 4 
			 929 Northumberland 1 0 1 138 0 58 43 
			 807 Redcar and Cleveland 0 0 0 45 0 11 0 
			 393 South Tyneside 4 0 4 51 0 10 0 
			 808 Stockton-on-Tees 0 0 0 62 0 14 0 
			 394 Sunderland 9 0 9 83 0 18 0 
			  
			   North West 82 0 82 2,554 0 467 0 
			 889 Blackburn with Darwen 9 0 9 56 0 10 0 
			 890 Blackpool 0 0 0 29 0 8 0 
			 350 Bolton 4 0 4 98 0 16 0 
			 351 Bury 1 0 1 63 0 14 0 
			 875 Cheshire 2 0 2 275 0 43 0 
			 909 Cumbria 6 0 6 279 0 42 0 
			 876 Halton 4 0 4 52 0 8 0 
			 340 Knowsley 0 0 0 55 0 10 0 
			 888 Lancashire 25 0 25 486 0 85 0 
			 341 Liverpool 5 0 5 135 0 29 0 
			 352 Manchester 2 0 2 133 0 22 0 
			 353 Oldham 0 0 0 94 0 15 0 
			 354 Rochdale 4 0 4 71 0 14 0 
			 355 Salford 0 0 0 83 0 14 0 
			 343 Sefton 4 0 4 78 0 22 0 
			 342 St. Helens 1 0 1 54 0 10 0 
			 356 Stockport 9 0 9 92 0 14 0 
			 357 Tameside 0 0 0 75 0 18 0 
			 358 Trafford 0 0 0 72 0 18 0 
			 877 Warrington 1 0 1 71 0 12 0 
			 359 Wigan 2 0 2 105 0 21 0 
			 344 Wirral 3 0 3 98 0 22 0 
			  
			   Yorkshire and The Humber 34 0 34 1,872 0 318 9 
			 370 Barnsley 0 0 0 82 0 13 0 
			 380 Bradford 7 0 7 158 0 28 0 
			 381 Calderdale 0 0 0 85 0 15 0 
			 371 Doncaster 0 0 0 103 0 16 0 
			 811 East Riding of Yorkshire 4 0 4 132 0 18 0 
			 810 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 3 0 3 71 0 15 0 
			 382 Kirklees 3 0 3 151 0 32 7 
			 383 Leeds 0 0 0 222 0 38 0 
			 812 North East Lincolnshire 3 0 3 59 0 12 0 
			 813 North Lincolnshire 0 0 0 66 0 14 0 
			 815 North Yorkshire 3 0 3 326 0 47 2 
			 372 Rotherham 3 0 3 103 0 16 0 
			 373 Sheffield 4 0 4 136 0 25 0 
			 384 Wakefield 3 0 3 124 0 18 0 
			 816 York 1 0 1 54 0 11 0 
			  
			   East Midlands 36 0 36 1,696 0 299 11 
			 831 Derby 8 0 8 78 0 13 0 
			 830 Derbyshire 8 0 8 358 0 47 0 
			 856 Leicester 0 0 0 84 0 16 0 
			 855 Leicestershire 1 0 1 225 0 54 9 
			 925 Lincolnshire 5 0 5 285 0 63 0 
			 928 Northamptonshire 9 0 9 265 0 39 2 
			 892 Nottingham 3 0 3 92 0 17 0 
			 891 Nottinghamshire 2 0 2 292 0 47 0 
			 857 Rutland 0 0 0 17 0 3 0 
			  
			   West Midlands 66 2 68 1,829 4 410 42 
			 330 Birmingham 25 2 27 299 0 76 0 
			 331 Coventry 1 0 1 85 0 19 0 
			 332 Dudley 1 0 1 78 0 22 0 
			 684 Herefordshire 0 0 0 82 0 14 0 
			 333 Sandwell 0 0 0 96 0 17 0 
			 893 Shropshire 0 0 0 142 0 22 0 
			 334 Solihull 0 0 0 67 0 12 0 
			 860 Staffordshire 6 0 6 301 0 68 14 
			 861 Stoke-on-Trent 7 0 7 71 0 17 0 
			 894 Telford and Wrekin 2 0 2 57 0 13 0 
			 335 Walsall 8 0 8 86 0 18 0 
			 937 Warwickshire 8 0 8 196 0 37 0 
			 336 Wolverhampton 7 0 7 80 0 18 0 
			 885 Worcestershire 1 0 1 189 4 57 28 
			  
			   East of England 41 0 41 2,059 47 425 86 
			 820 Bedfordshire 7 0 7 146 0 56 39 
			 873 Cambridgeshire 6 0 6 201 0 30 1 
			 881 Essex 2 0 2 473 0 80 0 
			 919 Hertfordshire 15 0 15 407 0 82 6 
			 821 Luton 6 0 6 54 0 12 0 
			 926 Norfolk 3 0 3 384 47 52 0 
			 874 Peterborough 1 0 1 58 0 14 0 
			 882 Southend-on-Sea 0 0 0 37 0 12 0 
			 935 Suffolk 1 0 1 256 0 78 40 
			 883 Thurrock 0 0 0 43 0 9 0 
			0  
			   London 82 0 82 1,823 17 395 0 
			  
			   Inner London 50 0 50 895 0 128 0 
			 202 Camden 1 0 1 41 0 9 0 
			 203 City of London 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 204 Hackney 2 0 2 53 0 9 0 
			 205 Hammersmith and Fulham 4 0 4 35 0 8 0 
			 309 Haringey 3 0 3 63 0 10 0 
			 206 Islington 3 0 3 45 0 9 0 
			 207 Kensington and Chelsea 4 0 4 26 0 4 0 
			 208 Lambeth 5 0 5 50 0 10 0 
			 209 Lewisham 2 0 2 69 0 12 0 
			 216 Newham 8 0 8 66 0 15 0 
			 210 Southwark 5 0 5 71 0 10 0 
			 211 Tower Hamlets 6 0 6 69 0 15 0 
			 212 Wandsworth 3 0 3 56 0 10 0 
			 213 Westminster 4 0 4 67 0 19 0 
			  
			   Outer London 32 0 32 1,128 17 267 0 
			 101 Barking and Dagenham 0 0 0 49 0 9 0 
			 102 Barnet 4 0 4 67 0 19 0 
			 303 Bexley 0 0 0 59 0 16 0 
			 304 Brent 4 0 4 59 0 13 0 
			 305 Bromley 0 0 0 77 0 18 0 
			 306 Croydon 6 0 6 91 0 21 0 
			 307 Ealing 4 0 4 64 0 12 0 
			 308 Enfield 0 0 0 66 0 17 0 
			 203 Greenwich 4 0 4 64 0 13 0 
			 310 Harrow 1 0 1 54 17 10 0 
			 311 Havering 0 0 0 65 0 18 0 
			 312 Hillingdon 1 0 1 65 0 16 0 
			 313 Hounslow 0 0 0 60 0 14 0 
			 314 Kingston upon Thames 1 0 1 36 0 10 0 
			 315 Merton 0 0 0 43 0 6 0 
			 317 Redbridge 0 0 0 50 0 17 0 
			 318 Richmond upon Thames 1 0 1 41 0 8 0 
			 319 Sutton 2 0 2 41 0 14 0 
			 320 Waltham Forest 4 0 4 57 0 16 0 
			  
			   South East 49 0 49 2,670 11 502 26 
			 867 Bracknell Forest 0 0 0 30 0 6 0 
			 846 Brighton and Hove 2 0 2 56 0 9 0 
			 825 Buckinghamshire 2 0 2 184 0 34 0 
			 845 East Sussex 0 0 0 156 0 27 0 
			 850 Hampshire 3 0 3 430 0 71 0 
			 921 Isle of Wight 0 0 0 46 0 21 16 
			 886 Kent 1 0 1 466 0 103 3 
			 887 Medway 0 0 0 85 0 19 0 
			 826 Milton Keynes 2 0 2 90 0 12 0 
			 931 Oxfordshire 12 0 12 233 0 34 0 
			 851 Portsmouth 1 0 1 53 0 10 0 
			 870 Reading 5 0 5 37 0 6 0 
			 871 Slough 5 0 5 27 0 11 0 
			 852 Southampton 1 0 1 61 0 14 0 
			 936 Surrey 4 0 4 314 0 53 0 
			 869 West Berkshire 2 0 2 66 0 10 0 
			 938 West Sussex 4 0 4 240 11 40 3 
			 868 Windsor and Maidenhead 4 0 4 45 0 13 4 
			 872 Wokingham 1 0 1 51 0 9 0 
			  
			   South West 19 0 19 1,940 7 322 24 
			 800 Bath and North East Somerset 0 0 0 63 0 13 0 
			 837 Bournemouth 0 0 0 27 0 10 0 
			 801 Bristol, City of 13 0 13 111 0 18 0 
			 908 Cornwall 2 0 2 238 0 31 0 
			 878 Devon 2 0 2 318 0 37 0 
			 835 Dorset 0 0 0 136 0 34 14 
			 916 Gloucestershire 0 0 0 250 0 42 0 
			 420 Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 802 North Somerset 0 0 0 66 0 10 0 
			 879 Plymouth 2 0 2 76 0 17 0 
			 836 Poole 0 0 0 28 7 9 1 
			 933 Somerset 0 0 0 223 0 39 9 
			 803 South Gloucestershire 0 0 0 96 0 15 0 
			 856 Swindon 0 0 0 67 0 10 0 
			 880 Torbay 0 0 0 32 0 8 0 
			 865 Wiltshire 0 0 0 208 0 29 0 
		
	
	
		
			Special  
			LEA Mntd  Non-Mntd  Total  Pupil Referral Units  Independent  City Technology Colleges  Academies  All Schools 
			   England 1,006 72 1,078 448 2,284 10 46 25,018 
			   
			   North East 61 4 65 17 36 1 3 1,282 
			 841 Darlington 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 44 
			 840 Durham 10 0 10 1 4 0 0 299 
			 390 Gateshead 6 0 6 1 4 1 0 96 
			 805 Hartlepool 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 40 
			 806 Middlesbrough 4 0 4 4 1 0 3 60 
			 391 Newcastle upon Tyne 5 2 7 1 9 0 0 109 
			 392 North Tyneside 5 1 6 2 3 0 0 83 
			 929 Northumberland 8 1 9 1 4 0 0 211 
			 807 Redcar and Cleveland 3 0 3 1 0 0 0 60 
			 393 South Tyneside 6 0 6 1 0 0 0 72 
			 808 Stockton-on-Tees 4 0 4 2 4 0 0 86 
			 394 Sunderland 7 0 7 1 4 0 0 122 
			   
			   North West 167 13 180 64 259 0 4 3,610 
			 889 Blackburn with Darwen 4 0 4 2 10 0 0 91 
			 890 Blackpool 3 0 3 1 5 0 0 46 
			 350 Bolton 6 1 7 9 7 0 0 141 
			 351 Bury 3 0 3 4 7 0 0 92 
			 875 Cheshire 14 3 17 1 28 0 0 366 
			 909 Cumbria 5 0 5 3 21 0 0 356 
			 876 Halton 4 0 4 2 3 0 0 73 
			 340 Knowsley 7 0 7 1 1 0 0 74 
			 888 Lancashire 32 0 32 13 49 0 0 690 
			 341 Liverpool 13 12 15 1 11 0 2 198 
			 352 Manchester 14 0 14 3 21 0 1 196 
			 353 Oldham 3 0 3 1 7 0 0 120 
			 354 Rochdale 6 0 6 1 23 0 0 119 
			 355 Salford 5 1 6 4 13 0 1 121 
			 343 Sefton 5 1 6 2 8 0 0 120 
			 342 St. Helens 3 1 4 2 3 0 0 74 
			 356 Stockport 6 2 8 3 14 0 0 140 
			 357 Tameside 5 0 5 3 4 0 0 105 
			 358 Trafford 6 0 6 3 13 0 0 112 
			 877 Warrington 3 1 4 1 3 0 0 92 
			 359 Wigan 8 0 8 3 0 0 0 139 
			 344 Wirral 12 1 13 1 8 0 0 145 
			   
			   Yorkshire and The Humber 85 6 91 44 141 0 6 2,506 
			 370 Barnsley 1 0 1 1 3 0 1 101 
			 380 Bradford 11 0 11 5 18 0 1 228 
			 381 Calderdale 3 1 4 1 10 0 0 115 
			 371 Doncaster 7 1 6 6 4 0 1 138 
			 811 East Riding of Yorkshire 3 0 3 2 7 0 0 166 
			 810 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 6 0 6 5 4 0 0 104 
			 382 Kirklees 6 1 7 2 16 0 0 211 
			 383 Leeds 6 1 7 5 13 0 1 286 
			 812 North East Lincolnshire 2 0 2 2 3 0 0 81 
			 813 North Lincolnshire 2 0 2 2 4 0 0 88 
			 815 North Yorkshire 11 2 13 2 28 0 0 419 
			 372 Rotherham 7 0 7 4 2 0 0 135 
			 373 Sheffield 12 0 12 3 11 0 2 193 
			 384 Wakefield 6 0 6 2 12 0 0 165 
			 816 York 2 0 2 2 6 0 0 76 
			   
			   East Midlands 81 3 84 26 149 1 3 2,294 
			 831 Derby 5 1 6 1 8 0 1 115 
			 830 Derbyshire 10 0 10 8 21 0 0 452 
			 856 Leicester 8 0 8 2 15 0 0 125 
			 855 Leicestershire 6 0 6 1 17 0 0 304 
			 925 Lincolnshire 21 0 21 5 23 0 0 402 
			 928 Northamptonshire 13 0 13 4 23 1 1 355 
			 892 Nottingham 6 1 7 4 12 0 1 136 
			 891 Nottinghamshire 11 1 12 1 25 0 0 379 
			 857 Rutland 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 26 
			   
			   West Midlands 123 2 125 54 184 2 3 2,675 
			 330 Birmingham 27 0 27 4 37 0 0 470 
			 331 Coventry 9 1 10 5 11 0 0 131 
			 332 Dudley 7 0 7 4 4 0 0 116 
			 684 Herefordshire 4 0 4 3 12 0 0 115 
			 333 Sandwell 4 0 4 5 0 0 1 123 
			 893 Shropshire 2 0 2 1 31 0 0 198 
			 334 Solihull 5 0 5 3 5 1 1 94 
			 860 Staffordshire 23 0 23 6 21 0 0 425 
			 861 Stoke-on-Trent 5 0 5 2 3 0 0 105 
			 894 Telford and Wrekin 4 0 4 4 6 1 0 87 
			 335 Walsall 6 0 6 3 7 0 1 129 
			 937 Warwickshire 9 0 9 1 19 0 0 270 
			 336 Wolverhampton 7 0 7 4 5 0 0 121 
			 885 Worcestershire 11 1 12 9 23 0 0 291 
			   
			   East of England 95 2 97 44 232 0 1 2,899 
			 820 Bedfordshire 10 0 10 1 16 0 0 236 
			 873 Cambridgeshire 7 0 7 5 32 0 0 281 
			 881 Essex 19 1 20 7 45 0 0 627 
			 919 Hertfordshire 25 1 26 8 58 0 0 596 
			 821 Luton 3 0 3 2 9 0 0 86 
			 926 Norfolk 12 0 12 5 32 0 0 488 
			 874 Peterborough 3 0 3 1 2 0 0 79 
			 882 Southend-on-Sea 5 0 5 1 8 0 0 63 
			 935 Suffolk 9 0 9 13 30 0 0 387 
			 883 Thurrock 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 56 
			   
			   London 144 4 148 78 489 4 23 3,042 
			   
			   Inner London 64 0 64 37 239 2 13 1,228 
			 202 Camden 6 0 6 4 30 0 0 91 
			 203 City of London 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 5 
			 204 Hackney 4 0 4 4 24 0 2 98 
			 205 Hammersmith and Fulham 5 0 5 2 21 0 1 75 
			 309 Haringey 4 0 4 2 14 0 1 97 
			 206 Islington 3 0 3 5 8 0 0 73 
			 207 Kensington and Chelsea 2 0 2 1 38 0 0 75 
			 208 Lambeth 5 0 5 4 11 0 1 96 
			 209 Lewisham 6 0 6 2 7 0 2 100 
			 216 Newham 2 0 2 2 7 0 0 100 
			 210 Southwark 9 0 9 4 9 1 4 113 
			 211 Tower Hamlets 7 0 7 1 10 0 0 108 
			 212 Wandsworth 9 0 9 3 29 1 0 111 
			 213 Westminster 2 0 2 3 27 0 2 85 
			   
			   Outer London 80 4 84 41 250 2 10 1,814 
			 101 Barking and Dagenham 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 62 
			 102 Barnet 4 0 4 3 34 0 1 162 
			 303 Bexley 5 0 5 2 4 0 1 87 
			 304 Brent 5 0 5 3 13 0 1 98 
			 305 Bromley 5 0 5 1 14 0 0 115 
			 306 Croydon 6 0 6 6 30 2 0 162 
			 307 Ealing 6 0 6 2 19 0 1 108 
			 308 Enfield 6 0 6 3 8 0 0 100 
			 203 Greenwich 4 0 4 1 11 0 1 98 
			 310 Harrow 4 0 4 1 15 0 0 85 
			 311 Havering 3 0 3 4 7 0 0 97 
			 312 Hillingdon 6 2 8 1 8 0 2 101 
			 313 Hounslow 5 0 5 3 9 0 0 91 
			 314 Kingston upon Thames 3 0 3 2 12 0 0 64 
			 315 Merton 3 0 3 1 11 0 2 66 
			 317 Redbridge 4 0 4 3 17 0 0 91 
			 318 Richmond upon Thames 2 0 2 1 22 0 0 75 
			 319 Sutton 3 2 5 2 7 0 0 71 
			 320 Waltham Forest 5 0 5 1 7 0 1 91 
			   
			   South East 164 30 194 66 554 1 2 4,038 
			 867 Bracknell Forest 1 0 1 1 7 0 0 45 
			 846 Brighton and Hove 6 3 9 0 21 0 0 97 
			 825 Buckinghamshire 13 1 14 5 33 0 0 272 
			 845 East Sussex 11 2 13 2 32 0 0 230 
			 850 Hampshire 26 1 27 7 60 0 0 598 
			 921 Isle of Wight 2 1 3 2 2 0 0 74 
			 886 Kent 24 5 29 12 98 1 1 711 
			 887 Medway 4 0 4 2 7 0 0 117 
			 826 Milton Keynes 6 0 6 4 9 0 0 123 
			 931 Oxfordshire 14 4 18 1 49 0 0 347 
			 851 Portsmouth 5 0 5 4 4 0 0 77 
			 870 Reading 3 0 3 1 10 0 1 63 
			 871 Slough 3 0 3 1 4 0 0 51 
			 852 Southampton 5 1 6 2 7 0 0 91 
			 936 Surrey 24 7 31 13 116 0 0 531 
			 869 West Berkshire 2 1 3 2 12 0 0 95 
			 938 West Sussex 12 2 14 3 53 0 0 354 
			 868 Windsor and Maidenhead 1 1 2 2 18 0 0 84 
			 872 Wokingham 2 1 3 2 12 0 0 78 
			   
			   South West 86 8 94 55 240 1 1 2,672 
			 800 Bath and North East Somerset 3 0 3 1 8 0 0 88 
			 837 Bournemouth 2 0 2 1 6 0 0 46 
			 801 Bristol, City of 10 0 10 4 24 0 1 181 
			 908 Cornwall 4 1 5 7 14 0 0 297 
			 878 Devon 10 3 13 7 44 0 0 421 
			 835 Dorset 5 0 5 5 26 0 0 206 
			 916 Gloucestershire 12 1 13 5 30 0 0 340 
			 420 Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 802 North Somerset 3 0 3 4 6 0 0 89 
			 879 Plymouth 8 0 8 3 5 0 0 111 
			 836 Poole 3 2 5 1 3 0 0 46 
			 933 Somerset 8 0 8 13 34 0 0 317 
			 803 South Gloucestershire 3 0 3 1 4 1 0 120 
			 856 Swindon 6 0 6 1 1 0 0 85 
			 880 Torbay 3 0 3 1 4 0 0 48 
			 865 Wiltshire 6 1 7 1 31 0 0 276 
			  Source:  School Census.

Schools: Absenteeism

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the pupil absence rate during the second half of the summer term 2007; when the decision was taken not to collect school absence data for the second half of the summer term; and if he will make a statement.

Kevin Brennan: The Department has collected pupil attendance data up to the first half of the summer term since 1993-94. That arrangement continues through the termly school census. Data in the second half of this term are unrepresentative of the year as a whole, given the study leave of many Year 11 pupils (and further absences following their exams).
	To estimate the pupil absence rate during this period would require an extension to the scope of the school census.

Schools: Admissions

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what financial provision is made for schools which accept new pupils outside the normal admissions timetable and after budget allocations have been made; and what  (a) financial and  (b) other assistance is provided to schools for such pupils whose first language is not English.

Jim Knight: At the beginning of the financial year, local authorities are required to provide to the Governors of a school a budget based upon the number of pupils on roll at the School Census in the previous January. In order to provide stability to schools, that budget may not be amended after the start of the financial year and schools are therefore required to organise within that budget for the whole year, taking into consideration admission numbers. No adjustments may be made, regardless of whether a pupil leaves or joins and there may be turnover in both directions. Local authorities may, however, choose to include within their formula a factor for schools with significantly rising rolls. This is likely to be based upon an estimate of numbers where it is anticipated there will be a significant influx of pupils arriving after the School Census is taken the previous January, or a factor which provides additional funds in the following financial year.
	The Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant (EMAG) gives ring-fenced funding for minority ethnic pupils and pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL). The grant is approx £179 million in 2007-08, rising to £206 million in 2011. Longstanding guidance and funding is in place to support schools in teaching English as an additional language. Furthermore, the New Arrivals Excellence Programme (NAEP), launched in July 2007 gives support, advice, guidance and training to schools in offering the best provision for learning EAL. Selected local authorities with schools that have little experience of integrating children who are new arrivals will have access to outreach support from a dedicated Regional Adviser. This will ensure they can access the curriculum as quickly as possible.
	The Department for Children, Schools and Families has recently announced an additional Exceptional Circumstances Grant to local authorities with significant extra pressures on their schools budgets from new arrivals, between January and the start of the school-year. This will be on a case-by-case basis when there is a significant increase in pupil numbers in a local authority; or where the proportion of EAL pupils significantly increases in a local authority.

Schools: Admissions

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what assessment he has made of the effect of inward migration on schools in Peterborough constituency over the last 10 years.

Jim Knight: Local authorities are responsible for balancing the demand and supply of school places in their area. They have a duty to ensure there are sufficient school places, the needs of the local community are served and good quality education is provided in a cost-effective way.
	The Department collects information from each local authority on the number of school places and the number of pupils on roll via an annual survey. Local authorities also provide area-wide forecasts of pupil numbers at primary and secondary levels. The earliest data available are for 2003 and the most recent are for 2007.
	The following table shows the number of school places, pupil numbers and the level of surplus places in Peterborough for the past five years. The local authority's forecasts of pupil numbers for the next five years (primary) and seven years (secondary) do not show a significant increase in pupil numbers.
	
		
			   2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			  Primary  
			 Capacity(1) 18,014 17,553 17,248 17,267 17,374 
			 NOR(2) 15,339 15,295 15,176 15,064 15,065 
			 Surplus(3) 2,756 2,299 2,276 2,257 2,309 
			   
			  Secondary  
			 Capacity(1) 14,878 14,875 14,875 15,313 15,472 
			 NOR(2) 12,980 12,838 12,925 13,183 13,187 
			 Surplus(3) 1,898 2,037 1,958 2,210 2,285 
			 (1) Capacity is the number of school places as at January.  (2) NOR relates to the number of pupils on role as at January.  (3 )Surplus relates to the difference between the capacity of a school and the number of pupils on roll.

Schools: Admissions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of schools in England have admissions criteria based on  (a) ability,  (b) aptitude and  (c) faith; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: There are 164 schools designated as grammar schools under section 104 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 which select substantially all of their pupils by ability, representing 4.9 per cent. of all secondary schools. In addition, some 40 schools which did so before 1997 select a proportion of their pupils by ability, or 1.25 per cent. of secondary schools.
	The Department does not collect data on selection by aptitude.
	Schools designated as having a religious character under section 69 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 may give priority, when oversubscribed, to children on the basis that they are members of or practise their faith. This use of oversubscription criteria is tightly regulated by the Admission Code. We know that practices vary widely and that a number of schools with a religious character do not give priority on the basis of faith and others offer a proportion of places to children without reference to faith. We do not collect this information centrally and have no plans to do so.

Schools: Arson

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the cost of arson in schools in each of the last five years, broken down by  (a) region and  (b) local education authority.

Parmjit Dhanda: I have been asked to reply.
	The latest data available from my Department are for the year 2005. The following tables shows the cost of arson in schools by English region and by fire and rescue authority using my Department's most recent economic costs of fire model (2004) to estimate the costs of fire in schools for the period 2001-05. My Department does not collect data on arson by local education authority.
	
		
			   £ 
			  Region ( 1) 2001 ( 1) 2002 ( 1) 2003 ( 1) 2004 ( 1) 2005 
			 East 1,864,800 1,531,800 2,164,500 2,297,700 1,798,200 
			 East Midlands 1,665,000 1,698,300 1,831,500 2,031,300 832,500 
			 London 2,997,000 732,600 1,798,200 1,798,200 1,198,800 
			 North-east 1,731,600 2,897,100 1,265,400 965,700 865,800 
			 North-west 6,826,500 5,094,900 5,494,500 5,328,000 3,996,000 
			 South-east 3,230,100 2,331,000 3,330,000 3,762,900 2,097,900 
			 South-west 2,364,300 1,465,200 1,798,200 1,065,600 732,600 
			 West Midlands 2,630,700 2,164,500 2,763,900 2,231,100 2,364,300 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 5,161,500 4,162,500 4,662,000 3,096,900 2,331,000 
			 (1) Cost of arson based on average cost of school fire of £33,000. 
		
	
	
		
			  £ 
			  Fire and rescue authority ( 1) 2001 ( 1) 2002 ( 1) 2003 ( 1) 2004 ( 1) 2005 
			 Avon 566,100 666,000 965,700 399,600 233,100 
			 Bedfordshire 333,000 566,100 399,600 266,400 66,600 
			 Berkshire 66,600 399,600 266,400 0 133,200 
			 Buckinghamshire 299,700 0 166,500 632,700 333,000 
			 Cambridgeshire 0 133,200 499,500 399,600 233,100 
			 Cheshire 333,000 566,100 366,300 166,500 333,000 
			 Cleveland 166,500 1,298,700 166,500 33,300 99,900 
			 Cornwall 0 0 199,800 233,100 33,300 
			 Cumbria 233,100 99,900 166,500 233,100 133,200 
			 Derbyshire 466,200 466,200 599,400 266,400 233,100 
			 Devon 699,300 333,000 199,800 99,900 99,900 
			 Dorset 432,900 0 133,200 99,900 166,500 
			 Durham 333,000 432,900 166,500 166,500 199,800 
			 East Sussex 532,800 0 299,700 765,900 299,700 
			 Essex 499,500 166,500 732,600 399,600 466,200 
			 Gloucestershire 166,500 166,500 299,700 0 0 
			 Greater London 2,997,000 732,600 1,798,200 1,798,200 1,198,800 
			 Greater Manchester 3,363,300 2,597,400 2,530,800 2,164,500 1,631,700 
			 Hampshire 799,200 466,200 832,500 765,900 199,800 
			 Hereford and Worcester 166,500 133,200 166,500 299,700 233,100 
			 Hertfordshire 266,400 499,500 199,800 333,000 266,400 
			 Humberside 1,065,600 865,800 1,431,900 832,500 432,900 
			 Isle of Wight 0 0 0 0 33,300 
			 Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Kent 566,100 499,500 566,100 299,700 366,300 
			 Lancashire 1,398,600 899,100 965,700 1,298,700 932,400 
			 Leicestershire 699,300 532,800 632,700 532,800 233,100 
			 Lincolnshire 0 66,600 133,200 233,100 33,300 
			 Merseyside 1,498,500 932,400 1,465,200 1,465,200 965,700 
			 Norfolk 133,200 133,200 166,500 133,200 233,100 
			 North Yorkshire 166,500 166,500 166,500 199,800 266,400 
			 Northamptonshire 366,300 33,300 166,500 466,200 466,200 
			 Northumberland 166,500 0 266,400 0 66,600 
			 Nottinghamshire 499,500 632,700 466,200 999,000 333,000 
			 Oxfordshire 366,300 199,800 399,600 299,700 66,600 
			 Shropshire 0 0 299,700 566,100 166,500 
			 Somerset 499,500 299,700 0 233,100 199,800 
			 South Yorkshire 1,431,900 932,400 799,200 666,000 599,400 
			 Staffordshire 632,700 299,700 432,900 199,800 499,500 
			 Suffolk 266,400 0 0 299,700 66,600 
			 Surrey 266,400 0 466,200 233,100 199,800 
			 Tyne and Wear 1,065,600 1,165,500 666,000 765,900 499,500 
			 Warwickshire 166,500 333,000 266,400 233,100 233,100 
			 West Midlands 1,665,000 1,398,600 1,598,400 932,400 1,232,100 
			 West Sussex 0 732,600 333,000 765,900 299,700 
			 West Yorkshire 2,497,500 2,197,800 2,264,400 1,398,600 1,032,300 
			 Wiltshire 333,000 33,300 0 0 166,500 
			 (1) Cost of arson based on average cost of school fire of £33,000.

Schools: Biometrics

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many schools are making use of biometric identification systems for pupils, broken down by local education authority.

Jim Knight: We have no information on the number of schools making use of biometric identification systems for pupils. There is no requirement for schools to inform their local authority or the Department when they introduce such systems.

Schools: Biometrics

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what use schools are making of biometric identification systems for pupils.

Jim Knight: We are aware of schools using biometric identification systems for three sets of administrative functions; to assist in cashless catering for lunches; to help manage lending in the school library; and to record attendance at classes.

Schools: Co-operation

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the statement by the Prime Minister on 14 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 667-72, on national security, which schools will be twinned under the proposals announced; what he expects the costs of this programme to be; how he plans to measure the effectiveness of this programme; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: All schools have the opportunity to find a partner school through the newly established school linking gateway www.schoolslinkingnetwork.org.uk, supported by the Schools Linking Network.
	The DCSF has provided the Schools Linking Network (established with £1 million funding from the Pears Foundation) with £125,000 in this financial year and earmarked £2 million over the next three financial years to provide support to schools and local authorities to develop links between schools.
	The programme's impact will be measured through an independent evaluation.

Schools: Expenditure

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how much has been allocated per child in  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools in the (i) Romford, (ii) Hornchurch and (iii) Upminster constituencies in each of the last five years;
	(2)  what the average Government spending per child in  (a) primary and  (b) secondary schools is (i) in Romford and (ii) in London;

Jim Knight: The Department allocates education funding to local authorities so the requested information for Romford, Hornchurch and Upminster constituencies is not available. The per pupil revenue funding figures for years 2003-04 to 2005-06 for Havering local authority are as follows:
	
		
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Primary (pupils aged 3-10) 3,541 3,645 3,828 
			 Secondary (pupils aged 11-15) 4,509 4,715 4,875 
			 Total (pupils aged 3-19) 4,033 4,192 4,370 
			  Notes: 1. Price Base: Real terms at 2006-07 prices, based on GDP deflators as at 26 September 2007. 2. Figures reflect relevant sub-blocks of education formula spending (EFS) settlements and include the pensions transfer to EFS. 3. Total funding also includes all revenue grants in DFES departmental expenditure limits relevant to pupils aged 3-19 and exclude education maintenance allowances (EMAs) and grants not allocated at LEA level. 4. The pupil numbers used to convert £ million figures to £ per pupil are those underlying the EFS settlement calculations. 5. Status: Some of the grant allocations have not been finalised. If these do change, the effect on the funding figures is expected to be minimal. 
		
	
	The revenue per pupil figures shown in the table below are taken from the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) which was introduced in April 2006. They are not comparable with those for the years 2003-04 to 2005-06 because the introduction of the DSG in 2006-07 fundamentally changed how local authorities are funded.
	The 2003-04 to 2005-06 figures are based on education formula spending (EFS) which formed the education part of the Local Government Finance Settlement, plus various grants. The DSG is based on planned spend. In addition, the DSG has a different coverage to EFS, which comprises a schools block and an LEA block (to cover LEA central functions) whereas DSG only covers the school block. LEA block items are still funded through DCLG's Local Government Finance Settlement but education items cannot be separately identified. Consequently, there is a break in the Department's time series as the two sets of data are not comparable.
	As the DSG is a mechanism for distributing funding, a split between primary and secondary schools is not available.
	The per pupil revenue funding figures for years 2006-07 to 2007-08 for Havering local authority and the London averages are as follows:
	
		
			   DSG plus grants 
			   2006-07  2007-08 
			 Havering 4,224 4,374 
			 London 5,067 5,253 
			  Notes: 1. The revenue funding per pupil figures only run to 2005-06 because we cannot provide a consistent time series beyond that year as the introduction of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) in 2006-07 fundamentally changed how local authorities are funded. The 2003-04 to 2005-06 figures are based on education formula spending (EFS) which formed the education part of the Local Government Finance Settlement, plus various grants. This was an assessment of what local authorities needed to fund education rather than what they spent. In 2006-07 funding for schools changed with the introduction of the DSG which is based largely on an authority's previous spending. 2. In addition, DSG has a different coverage to EFS: EFS comprised a schools block and an LEA block (to cover LEA central functions) whereas DSG only covers the school block. LEA block items are still funded through DCLG's Local Government Finance Settlement but education items cannot be separately identified. This means we have a break in our time series as the two sets of data are not comparable, an alternative time series is currently under development. 3. Price Base: Real terms at 2006-07 prices, based on GDP deflators as at 26 September 2007. 4. Some of the grant allocations have not been finalised. If these do change, the effect on the funding figures is expected to be minimal.

Schools: Finance

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the number of schools which will receive no more than the minimum annual funding guarantee in 2008-09; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Knight: It is not possible to estimate the number of schools receiving only the guaranteed level of funding provided for by the Minimum Funding Guarantee for 2008-09. To do this would require known pupil numbers for the financial year (which are not counted until January 2008), and the individual formulae of each authority along with any changes to those factors proposed for 2008-09.

Schools: Governing Bodies

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how many interim executive boards authorised by him have been required to include officers from the local authority;
	(2)  whether it is his policy that interim executive boards must include officers from the local authority.

Jim Knight: Members of an interim executive board (IEB) are chosen and appointed in individual school cases by the appropriate authority, which may be either the local authority (LA) or the Secretary of State. When the Secretary of State considers an LA's application for an IEB to replace a governing body, he will give particular attention to whether the membership of the Board represents the right mix of skills and experience to meet the school's needs. In the majority of cases, the LA's proposals contain one or more officers from that authority, and where this is not proposed the Secretary of State sometimes invites the LA to consider such membership. In other cases, the Secretary of State has invited extra membership from experienced professionals outside the LA, to secure an independent view on the Board.
	In the case of the IEB for Alderman Blaxhill School, in the hon. Gentleman's constituency, Essex county council had already proposed an LA officer, but the Secretary of State invited them to nominate a second, though he did not require them to do so.
	In summary, there is no prescriptive policy in this area: each case is considered on its merits, based on the needs of the school.

Schools: Intimidation

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  in which 20  (a) local education authorities and  (b) schools the most incidences of bullying occurred in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many reported cases of bullying there were in schools in the last year for which records are available;
	(3)  what steps his Department is taking to eradicate bullying in schools;
	(4)  what assessment his Department has made of the effect of bullying upon educational attainment in schools;
	(5)  what assessment he has made of the correlation between incidence of bullying and levels of school performance;
	(6)  what steps his Department plans to take to involve trades unions and employers in anti-bullying initiatives.

Kevin Brennan: The information is as follows:
	 169492 and 169616
	We are unable to provide definitive figures for numbers of bullying incidents at school as we do not collect these data centrally.
	However, tables showing the number of permanent and fixed period exclusions in each local authority area by reason for exclusion have been placed in the Library. This includes a category relating to bullying.
	 169613
	The Government are spending around £1.8 million this year supporting schools to meet their legal obligations to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. Earlier this year we issued comprehensive new guidance to schools on how to prevent and tackle bullying called 'Safe to Learn: Embedding anti-bullying work in schools'. It includes practical advice for schools on how to develop robust anti-bullying policies and embed effective practice, and specific advice on tackling cyberbullying and homophobic bullying. This suite of guidance links to the guidance we produced last year for schools on 'Bullying Around Race Religion and Culture', and we will publish further guidance in the spring on how tackle the bullying of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
	In the Education and Inspections Act 2006, we introduced new powers for head teachers and school staff to ensure proper discipline both inside and outside schools. The Act empowers school staff to impose disciplinary penalties for bad behaviour, and to regulate the behaviour of pupils when they are off the school site.
	We fund a number of voluntary organisations including: the Anti-Bullying Alliance who provide support and training for local authorities and schools on anti-bullying work; ChildLine in Partnership with Schools (CHIPS) who run peer mentoring schemes on behalf of the Department; and ParentLine Plus who provide advice and support for the parents of children and young people who are being bullied. We are working with the Cyberbullying Taskforce to take forward a comprehensive programme of work to tackle cyberbullying and have launched an online digital campaign targeted at children and young people. We are working with the national strategies' regional advisers to embed effective anti-bullying practice on the ground, and to work with identified schools to support and challenge them in improving their anti-bullying policies and strategies.
	In anti-bullying week we announced that we would be providing £3 million over the next two years to run peer mentoring pilots. We have also commissioned Childnet International to produce a resource pack to provide school staff with practical information and advice on how to tackle cyberbullying, and how best to introduce the topic in the classroom.
	 169493 and 169494
	The Department has not commissioned any research which compares incidents of bullying with levels of school performance or educational attainment. However, we are aware that there is research evidence to suggest bullying impacts on educational attainment and attendance. We have made clear in our published guidance that providing a safe and happy learning environment is integral to achieving the wider objectives of school improvement, raising achievement and attendance, promoting equality and diversity as well as ensuring the welfare of all members of the school community.
	 169482
	The Department consulted with all the major school staff unions in drawing up the Safe to Learn comprehensive anti-bullying guidance for schools, and its constituent elements covering cyberbullying and homophobic bullying. The school staff unions are also represented on the Department's Cyberbullying Taskforce, which brings together representatives of school staff, children's charities and the new technology providers to discuss strategies for addressing and preventing cyberbullying. There are no plans at this stage to involve employers in such discussions.

Schools: Minibuses

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the impact of new minibus driving licence regulations on school budgets; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what advice his Department has issued to local authorities on the interpretation of new minibus driving licence regulations.

Jim Knight: holding answer 26 November 2007
	The Department has made no estimate of the impact of these regulations on school budgets.
	The Department has issued guidance "Licensing of Incidental Drivers of the School Minibus" which states that school staff are in general exempt from the D1 PCV requirement since they receive no consideration for such driving. It also states: "In the medium term, when a school replaces its minibus, it is likely to lose exemption because newer minibuses tend to weigh more than 3.5 tonnes, and the Government has no plans to change the weight limit on the exemption. Therefore we advise schools to consider investing in D1 PCV training over the next few years, since the law will require it in the longer term, if or when they move to a heavier minibus."

Schools: Standards

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many  (a) academies,  (b) schools in special measures and  (c) schools given notice to improve there were in each region in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jim Knight: holding answer 22 November 2007
	The information is set out in the following tables. Table 1 shows the number of open academies in each Government office region on 1 September 2007. Table 2 shows the number of schools requiring significant improvement (notice to improve) and special measures in each region on 31 August 2007. It is based on the most recent information published by Ofsted in September this year.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			  Government office region  Academies at 1 September 2007 
			 East of England 4 
			 East Midlands 4 
			 London 34 
			 North East 4 
			 North West 8 
			 South East 9 
			 South West 4 
			 West Midlands 6 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 10 
			 Total 83 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2 
			Ofsted  c ategory 
			  Government office region  Phase  Significant improvement (notice to improve) at 31 August 2007  Special measures at 31 August 2007 
			 East of England Primary 15 16 
			  PRU(1) — 1 
			  Secondary 8 13 
			  Special(2) — 2 
			 
			 East Midlands Primary 24 33 
			  PRU 1 — 
			  Secondary 10 — 
			 
			 London Primary 23 17 
			  PRU 2 — 
			  Secondary 9 4 
			 
			 North-east Primary 9 6 
			  PRU 1 2 
			  Secondary 5 — 
			  Special — 1 
			— 
			 
			 North-west Primary 18 23 
			  PRU 2 1 
			  Secondary 7 8 
			  Special 2 2 
			 
			 South-east Primary 41 19 
			  PRU 1 3 
			  Secondary 15 5 
			  Special 2 1 
			 
			 South-west Primary 19 21 
			  Secondary 4 1 
			  Special 2 2 
			 
			 West midlands Primary 37 29 
			  PRU 1 2 
			  Secondary 9 8 
			 
			 Yorkshire and Humber Primary 18 17 
			  PRU 2 — 
			  Secondary 19 10 
			  Special — 1 
			 
			 Total  306 246 
			 (1) PRU = pupil referral units (2) Special = special schools

Schools: Teaching Methods

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what guidance his Department has issued on the use of setting in schools; and when such guidance was issued.

Jim Knight: In September 2006 we published 'Grouping Pupils for Success' (publication reference DfES03945-2006DWO-EN). This is a suite of guidance documents for primary and secondary school leaders and subject leaders/coordinators, designed to encourage effective strategies for grouping and setting. The guidance was published and promoted through the National Strategies and is available to all schools from:
	www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk.
	This guidance is based on independent research, commissioned by the Department and published in two phases. In September 2007 we published 'Effective Teaching and Learning for Pupils in Low Attaining Groups' (reference DCSF-RR011/DCSF-RB011), a fieldwork report. This built on research published in September 2006 entitled 'Pupil Grouping Strategies and Practices at Key Stage 2 and 3' (reference RR796/RB796). These reports are available from our research gateway at:
	www.dcsf.gov.uk/research.

Schools: Translation Services

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much schools in each London borough spent on translation services in each of the past five years.

Jim Knight: My Department does not collect this information.

Science: GCE A-Level

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many students were entered for examination at A2 level in  (a) biology,  (b) physics,  (c) chemistry,  (d) engineering and  (e) computer science in each year since 1997.

Jim Knight: The information requested is as follows.
	
		
			  Number of 16 to 18-year-old pupils entered for selected GCE/VCE A-level subjects from 1996/97 to 2006/07 in England 
			   1996/97  1997/98  1998/99  1999/2000  2000/01 
			 Biological Sciences 47,598 48,897 47,192 46,190 44,592 
			 Chemistry 36,429 37,103 35,831 35,290 33,871 
			 Physics 28,777 29,672 29,552 28,191 28,031 
			 Computer Studies 10,118 12,529 10,435 10,851 10,913 
			 Engineering (VCE)(1) — — — — — 
		
	
	
		
			   2001/02  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05  2005/06  2006/07( 2) 
			 Biological Sciences 45,407 43,902 44,235 45,662 46,624 46,916 
			 Chemistry 32,324 31,065 32,130 33,164 34,534 35,157 
			 Physics 27,860 26,278 24,606 24,094 23,657 23,973 
			 Computer Studies 9,329 8,256 6,853 5,810 5,017 4,654 
			 Engineering (VCE)(1) 407 361 380 339 211 194 
			 (1) Figures for VCE examinations only available from 2001/02 onwards. The figure relating to 2006/07 includes both GCE and VCE applied examinations. (2) 2006/07 data are provisional. Schools will get the chance to amend their results as part of the data checking process before the revised figures are published in mid January 2008.

Secondary Education: Truancy

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of schools have adopted secondary school behaviour and truancy partnerships.

Jim Knight: Nearly all secondary schools are now working together in partnerships to improve behaviour and tackle persistent absence and we are supporting and encouraging those schools that have yet to join a partnership.

Secondary Education: Truancy

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what percentage of secondary school sessions were missed through unauthorised absences in the last 12 months.

Kevin Brennan: The available information is shown in the tables.
	Absence rates for secondary schools in 2006/07 are expected to be published in February 2008.
	
		
			  Maintained Secondary Schools, City Technology Colleges and Academies( 1) : Pupil Absence by Type of School, England, 2005/06 
			 Percentage of half days missed( 2) 
			   Number of day pupils of compulsory school age( 3)  Number of pupil enrolments( 4, 5)  Authorised absence  Unauthorised absence  Overall absence 
			  Maintained Secondary Schools, City Technology Colleges and Academies 2,983,040 3,056,330 6.82 1.42 8.24 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed.  (2) The number of sessions missed due to authorised/unauthorised/overall absence expressed as a percentage of the total number of  possible sessions.(  3) Pupil numbers are as at January 2006. Includes pupils aged five to 15 with sole and dual (main) registration. Excludes boarders.  (4) Number of pupil enrolments in schools between 1 September 2005 and 27 May 2006. Includes pupils on the school roll for at least one session who are aged between five and 15, excluding boarders. Some pupils may be counted more than once (if they moved schools during the school year or are registered in more than one school). See Notes to Editors 11, 12 and 13.  (5) There were some 7,240 cases from maintained secondary schools; 20 cases from CTCs and 370 cases from academies for  whom absence data were missing. These cases have been excluded from the total number of pupil enrolments. See Notes to Editors 12.   Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.   Source:  School Census. 
		
	
	
		
			  Maintained Secondary Schools, City Technology Colleges and Academies( 1) : Pupil Absence by Type of School, England, Autumn Term 2006 and Spring Term 2007 
			 Percentage of half days missed( 2) 
			   Number of day pupils of compulsory school age( 3)  Number of pupil enrolments( 4, 5)  Authorised absence  Unauthorised absence  Overall absence 
			  Maintained Secondary Schools, City Technology Colleges and Academies 2,954,940 3,016,240 6.30 1.48 7.78 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed.  (2) The number of sessions missed due to authorised/unauthorised/overall absence expressed as a percentage of the total number of possible sessions.(  3) Pupil numbers are as at January 2006. Includes pupils aged five to 15 with sole and dual (main) registration.  (4) Number of pupil enrolments in schools between 1 September 2006 and 9 April 2007. Includes pupils on the school roll for at least one session who are aged between five and 15, excluding boarders. Some pupils may be counted more than once (if they moved schools during the school year or are registered in more than one school). See Notes to Editors 14 and 15.  (5) There were some 32,498 cases from primary schools; 16,470 cases from maintained secondary schools, 18 cases from CTCs and 750 cases from academies for whom absence data were missing. These cases have been excluded from the total number of pupil enrolments. See Notes to Editors 15.   Notes:  1. The overall absence rate, including both authorised and unauthorised absence for autumn term 2005 and spring term 2006.  2. Data for academies are based on 46 academies for autumn 2006 and spring 2007, 19 of which opened in autumn 2006.  3. Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.   Source:  School Census.

Sports: Children

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the answer of 20 November 2007,  Official Report, column 661W, on sports: children, whether there are any targets set for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) physical development of babies and young children; how progress in this area will be assessed; and how much funding has been allocated to the EYFS.

Beverley Hughes: The EYFS defines milestones in the form of Early Learning Goals which provide the basis for assessing children's development at the end of the EYFS—normally at the end of reception class. Children's progress during, and at the end of the EYFS (age five) when the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile will be completed, are based on observational assessment of them in everyday activities, by practitioners using their professional judgement. One of the 13 scales used to assess young children's development at age five relates to physical development. Targets both at national level and local authority level relate to overall achievement across the Foundation Stage Profile, rather than specific targets relating to the physical development.
	Government invest some £3 billion each year in the delivery of the free entitlement to nursery education for three and four-year-olds. Funding is provided to local authorities through the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and covers provision delivered in accordance with the Foundation Stage Curriculum and the National Daycare Standards by providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors (PVI). In addition, we announced in the summer over £4 billion Revenue and £893 million Capital three year (2008-11) allocations for local authorities of Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare Grant (SSEYCG) (formerly General Sure Start Grant). The Department has provided specific funding of an additional £7 million in each of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to LAs through the Standards Funds and the SSEYCG to support EYFS training of practitioners in schools and PVI settings.

Students: Transport

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what transport support provision is available for home to school or college for students in further education in the London Borough of Havering.

Jim Knight: From 1 September 2006, Transport for London introduced a free travel concession on buses and trams for young people under the age of 18 who are attending a full-time education course. The concession expires at the end of the academic year in which the student turns 18.

Teachers: Recruitment

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the recruitment target for all forms of secondary teacher training in  (a) biology,  (b) chemistry,  (c) physics,  (d) mathematics,  (e) engineering and  (f) computer science was in each of the last 10 years.

Jim Knight: The Department sets targets for recruitment to mainstream initial teacher training and the targets for science, mathematics, design and technology, and information and communications technology (ICT) between 1998/99 and 2007/8 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Mainstream initial teacher training places( 1) : academic year 1998/99 to 2007/08 
			  Secondary subject  1998/99  1999/2000  2000/01  2001/02  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05  2005/06  2006/07  2007/08 
			 Science 3,050 2,390 2,690 2,810 2,850 3,225 3,225 3,225 3,225 3,225 
			 Mathematics 2,150 1,680 1,850 1,940 1,940 2,315 2,350 2,350 2,350 2,350 
			 Design and Technology(2) — — — — — — 1,085 1,060 1,010 930 
			 Information and communications technology(2) — — — — — — 1,050 1,100 1,040 985 
			 (1) Includes school centred ITT but excludes employment based routes (EBR). (2) Number of places for design and technology and information and communications technology are not available before 2004/05 as these were grouped as a total technology target in these years.  Note: Places for vocational subjects in 2006/07 and 2007/08 are included with the allocation for related academic subject: Science includes places for applied science, design and technology includes both manufacturing and engineering and ICT includes applied ICT. In 2004/05, places for vocational subjects were shown separately. In 2003/04, the margin of flexibility included places for a vocational subjects pilot.  Source: DCSF. 
		
	
	The Department does not currently set targets for employment based routes initial teacher training courses. However, recruitment data for EBR ITT courses is taken into account in projecting the future required number of recruits and successful completers on each type of programme and by subject which assists in determining the targets required for mainstream ITT recruitment.

Teachers: Romford

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many  (a) teachers and  (b) learning assistants there were in Romford secondary schools on the latest date for which figures are available.

Jim Knight: The following table provides the full-time equivalent number of teachers and teaching assistants employed in local authority maintained secondary schools in Romford constituency in January 2007.
	
		
			  Full-time equivalent teachers and support staff in local authority maintained secondary schools( 1)  in Romford constituency,  January 2007 
			 Qualified teachers 270 
			 Other teaching staff 20 
			 Total teaching staff 290 
			   
			 Teaching assistants 50 
			 Other support staff 160 
			 Total support staff 210 
			   Number 
			 (1) Local authority maintained secondary schools excludes academies and city technology colleges.  Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Teachers: Training

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of those enrolled as teacher trainees in each year since 1997 were teachers three years after enrolment.

Jim Knight: Information tracking those who enrol as teacher trainees through to them starting teaching is not held centrally.
	The following table shows the number of final year Initial Teacher Training (ITT) trainees for each academic year between 1998/99 and 2005/06 who gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in their final year of training and of these the number who were known to be in a teaching post six months after gaining QTS for Mainstream Initial Teacher Training (ITT) trainees. Information is not available for 1997/98 in a consistent format.
	
		
			  Mainstream final year ITT trainees( 1) 
			  Academic year  Total number of mainstream trainees in their final year  Number of mainstream final year trainees gaining QTS( 2)  Number of final year trainees who gained QTS and are known to be in a teaching post 6 months after gaining QTS( 3, 4)  Proportion of mainstream final year trainees who  gain QTS  Proportion of mainstream final year trainees gaining QTS who are known to be in a  teaching post  six  months after gaining QTS 
			 1998/99 27,200 24,070 19,240 88 80 
			 1999/2000 24,650 21,690 17,800 88 82 
			 2000/01 25,720 22,640 18,940 88 84 
			 2001/02 26,350 23,280 19,660 88 84 
			 2002/03 28,570 25,430 20,150 89 79 
			 2003/04 30,970 27,340 21,820 88 80 
			 2004/05 31,360 27,150 21,960 87 81 
			 2005/06 31,310 27,100 22,040 87 81 
			 (1) Includes trainees from Universities and other Higher Education (HE) institutions, School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) and Open Universities (OU), but excludes Employment Based Routes (EBR). (2) Those who failed to gain QTS include those who are yet to complete their course, those who left before the end of their course, those who had their QTS withheld, those who have not taken the skills test and those with an unknown outcome. (3) Those in a teaching post six months after gaining QTS include those in maintained schools, non-maintained schools and where the sector is unknown. (4) Those who are not in a teaching post six months after gaining QTS include those who are seeking a teaching post, those who are not seeking a teaching post and those with an unknown destination.  Note: Numbers are individually rounded to the nearest 10.  Source:  TDA performance profiles 
		
	
	The following tables show the number of final year Initial Teacher Training (ITT) trainees for each academic year between 2001/02 and 2005/06 who gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in their final year of training for Employment Based Routes (EBR) trainees. Information relating to the number of trainees gaining QTS through employment based routes was only collected from 2001/02 onwards and the employment status of trainees through EBR is not collected.
	
		
			  Employment Based Routes (EBR) final year ITT trainees( 1) 
			  Academic year  Total number of EBR trainees in their final year  Number of EBR final year trainees gaining QTS( 2)  Proportion of EBR final year trainees who gain QTS 
			 2001/02 2,440 2,210 91 
			 2002/03 4,030 3,670 91 
			 2003/04 4,950 4,470 90 
			 2004/05 7,220 6,600 91 
			 2005/06 6,970 6,090 87 
			 (1 )Includes trainees through Employment Based Routes (EBR) only. (2 )Those who failed to gain QTS include those who are yet to complete their course, those who left before the end of their course, those who had their QTS withheld, those who have not taken the skills test and those with an unknown outcome.  Note: Numbers are individually rounded to the nearest 10.  Source:  TDA performance profiles. 
		
	
	The following table shows the proportion of full and part-time teachers in maintained schools who were still teaching in the maintained sector three years after gaining QTS, by the year which they gained QTS.
	
		
			  Percentage of full and part-time( 1)  teachers that qualified in a particular year and were still in service in the maintained sector in England three years later 
			  Year qualified( 2)  First year in service( 3)  Percentage in full or part-time service three years later 
			 1997 1997-98 79 
			 1998 1998-99 79 
			 1999 1999-200 79 
			 2000 2000-01 80 
			 2001 2001-02 81 
			 2002 2002-03 82 
			 (1 )Teachers in part-time service are under-recorded on the DTR by between 10 and 20 per cent. and therefore these figures may be slightly underestimated. (2 )Calendar year in which the teachers qualified (3 )Financial year during which the teachers entered service.  Source:  Database of Teacher Records (DTR).

Telephone Services

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what information his Department collects and monitors in relation to the telephone contact centres for which his Department is responsible.

Kevin Brennan: In line with the Government's response to Sir David Varney's report on Service Transformation, the Department for Children, Schools and Families collects information against the 26 performance management indicators published by The Citizen and Business Contact Centre Council (CBCCC). The Department submitted its first return on performance against these indicators in October this year. The 26 indicators are published on the Cabinet Office website:
	http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/public_service_reform/contact_council/workplan.aspx
	The Department also uses feedback received by the contact centre to inform its policy making process.
	In addition to the Department's own contact centre, DCSF also contracts with suppliers to provide telephone helpline services to the public, usually in support of information campaigns. These contracts cover the provision of data by the suppliers to enable the Department to ensure that the supplier is meeting the Key Performance Indicators set out in the contract. Additionally, the Department may run mystery shopping or user survey research to further monitor the performance of the contact centres.

Telephone Services

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much each telephone contact centre for which his Department is responsible has  (a) cost and  (b) generated in income in each financial year since their establishment.

Kevin Brennan: This Department does not operate a telephone contact centre as such; rather, there is a central Public Communications Unit that deals with telephone inquiries, e-mails, written correspondence and public consultations. To extract the cost of telephone handling alone would incur disproportionate cost.
	None of the activities of the Public Communications Unit generates income for the Department.
	The Department also contracts with suppliers to provide helpline services to the public, usually in support of information campaigns. The cost of all of these in each financial year since they were set up could be given only at disproportionate cost. None of these contact centres generate income for the Department.

Truancy: Custodial Treatment

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many parents were imprisoned following a child's absence from school in each of the last three years.

Jim Knight: The Ministry of Justice collects data for England and Wales on prosecutions brought against parents under the Education Act 1996 for the offence under s444(1) for failing to secure their child's regular attendance at school; or prosecutions under s444(1A), the aggravated offence of knowing that their child is failing to attend school regularly; and for various offences under the Education Act 1996—these are likely to include some prosecutions under s444 and s444(1A) for England and Wales. The information on the number of people given immediate custodial sentences is detailed in the following table:
	
		
			  England and Wales 
			   Education Act 1996  Education Act 96, s444  Education Act 96, S4441A 
			 2003 7 4 3 
			 2004 10 8 14 
			 2005 9 5 15

World War II: Education

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will ensure that teaching of the historical fact of the Holocaust is mandatory in the school curriculum.

Jim Knight: holding answer 22 November 2007
	The National Curriculum requires pupils aged between 11 and 14 to study the Holocaust and this has not changed following the recent KS3 review where the Holocaust remains one of the very few compulsory elements of the History Curriculum. Its study is supported by funding from the Holocaust Education Trust to offer a visit to Auschwitz to two 15 to 17-year-olds from every English secondary school.

Young People: Alcoholic Drinks

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps his Department is taking to reduce alcohol abuse amongst teenagers.

Kevin Brennan: holding answer 29 November 2007
	 The Government are committed to reducing substance misuse among young people, including that relating to alcohol. In June of this year, the Government published the updated Alcohol Strategy for England, "Safe. Sensible. Social." For the first time, it identifies under-18s as a priority group for Government action on alcohol and sets out the reduction of drinking by young people as a Government objective. As part of this strategy, this Department has committed to:
	Establishing a panel of experts who will produce authoritative, accessible guidance about what is and what is not safe and sensible in the light of the latest available evidence from the UK and abroad, to help young people and their parents make informed decisions about alcohol; and
	Raising awareness of young people's alcohol use and—through a social marketing campaign—to work to create a culture where it is socially acceptable for young people to choose not to drink and, if they do, to do so later and more safely.
	Alcohol education continues to be a vital element of our approach. The Department's guidance, "Drugs: Guidance for Schools (DfES 2004)" is clear that pupils' education about alcohol and its effects should start in primary school, before drinking patterns become established and should be revisited as pupils' understanding and experience increases.

HEALTH

AIDS: Medical Treatments

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding was committed for the treatment of  (a) HIV and  (b) AIDS in each health authority in England in each of the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: Funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and HIV prevention was included in main national health service allocations from April 2002, and is therefore not separately identified.

AIDS: Medical Treatments

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of treatment for  (a) HIV and  (b) AIDS in each health authority in England in each of the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: This information is not collected centrally.

AIDS: Medical Treatments

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients received treatment for  (a) HIV and  (b) AIDS in each health authority in England in each of the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: The information, by strategic health authority (SHA) is in the following tables.
	
		
			  Number of HIV-infected persons reported to be receiving antiretroviral therapy (total number of HIV-infected persons accessing NHS care 
			  SHA  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 East Midlands 662 (1,054) 813 (1,261) 1076 (1,627) 1,304 (1,952) 1,470 (2,211) 
			 East of England 956 (1,533) 1,228 (1,977) 1,567 (2,440) 1,868 (2,889) 2,182 (3,295) 
			 London 1,1023 (17,123) 12,548 (18,952) 13,747 (20,411) 15,121 (22,293) 15,568 (23,986) 
			 North East 250 (404) 304 (534) 359 (641) 410 (754) 551 (868) 
			 North West 1,469 (2,313) 1,892 (2,835) 2,107 (3,340) 2,549 (3,937) 2,989 (4,512) 
			 South Central 760 (1,230) 979 (1,654) 1,194 (1,926) 1,406 (2,179) 1,614 (2,407) 
			 South East Coast 1,277 (1,933) 1,477 (2,229) 1,728 (2,566) 1,996 (2,897) 2,266 (3,246) 
			 South West 680 (1,067) 899 (1,293) 1,020 (1,543) 1,297 (1,841) 1,499 (2,107) 
			 West Midlands 700 (1,132) 937 (1,665) 1,204 (2,131) 1,417 (2,555) 1,604 (2,951) 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 662 (983) 866 (1,318) 1,089 (1,648) 1,297 (2,050) 1,661 (2,475) 
			  Note: There are small numbers in each SHA in each of the last five years where it was not reported whether or not the patient was receiving antiretroviral therapy. 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of HIV-infected persons receiving antiretroviral therapy who have ever previously had an AIDS-defining illness (total number of HIV-infected persons accessing NHS care) 
			  SHA  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 East Midlands 217 (1,054) 215 (1,261) 271 (1,627) 318 (1,952) 418 (2,211) 
			 East of England 350 (1,533) 403 (1,977) 491 (2,440) 566 (2,889) 656 (3,295) 
			 London 3,726 (17,123) 4,219 (18,952) 4,445 (20,411) 4,942 (22,293) 5,052 (23,986) 
			 North East 82 (404) 93 (534) 102 (641) 108 (754) 131 (868) 
			 North West 501 (2,313) 652 (2,835) 690 (3,340) 774 (3,937) 948 (4,512) 
			 South Central 232 (1,230) 323 (1,654) 342 (1,926) 422 (2,179) 394 (2,407) 
			 South East Coast 436 (1,933) 479 (2,229) 566 (2,566) 590 (2,897) 646 (3,246) 
			 South West 231 (1,067) 298 (1,293) 319 (1,543) 395 (1,841) 402 (2,107) 
			 West Midlands 281 (1,132) 316 (1,665) 445 (2,131) 473 (2,555) 524 (2,951) 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 228 (983) 303 (1,318) 362 (1,648) 337 (2,050) 473 (2,475) 
			  Note: There are small numbers in each strategic health authority in each of the last five years where it was not reported whether or not the patient was receiving antiretroviral therapy or whether the patient had ever previously developed an AIDS-defining illness.  Source: Health Protection Agency: Annual survey of HIV-infected persons accessing care

Alcoholic Drinks: Newcastle upon Tyne

Doug Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on tackling misuse of alcohol in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust area since the introduction of the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England.

Dawn Primarolo: The Renewed Alcohol Strategy, "Safe, Sensible, Social-Next Steps in the National Alcohol Strategy", was published on 5 June 2007. The strategy aims to:
	focus future action on reducing the types of harm that are of most concern to the public;
	reduce the crime and ill health caused by alcohol; and
	increase the public's awareness of the risks associated with excessive consumption, and how to get help.
	The North East Regional Alcohol Advisory Group is responsible for bringing together agencies and individuals from across the region with an interest in the alcohol agenda. It has so far examined the potentially harmful impact of alcohol misuse upon local communities and is taking steps to tackle key issues around the treatment, prevention and control of alcohol-related problems.
	The "North East Alcohol Misuse Statement of Priorities", which was published in February 2007, will support and complement initiatives carried out at a local level and add value, and influence events, at a regional level.

Alcoholic Drinks: Young People

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people under the age of 18 years experienced serious injury as a consequence of excessive alcohol consumption in the latest period for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is not held centrally.

Autism: Health Services

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will draw up national guidelines on the provision of services for people with autism.

Ivan Lewis: "Better services for people with an autistic spectrum disorder: A note clarifying current Government policy and describing good practice" was published on 16 November 2006. It clarifies the nature and intent of existing Government policy as it relates to adults with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). A copy is available in the Library.
	It is for local authorities to manage their priorities and decide how resources should be attributed, taking into consideration locally identified needs and assessments of individuals.

Autism: Job Centre Plus

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he issues to local authorities to work with their local Job Centre Plus in order to meet the needs of adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

Ivan Lewis: "Better services for people with an autistic spectrum disorder: A note clarifying current Government policy and describing good practice" was published on 16 November 2006. It clarifies the nature and intent of existing Government policy as it relates to adults with an autistic spectrum disorder, and refers to community integration and employment support.
	A copy of this is available in the Library.

Bone Diseases: Medical Treatments

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects anti-TNF treatments to be available to patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Ann Keen: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) are currently producing a technology appraisal on the use of adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. This appraisal is expected to be published in December 2007. Primary care trusts have a legal obligation to provide funding for treatments recommended by NICE within three months of the guidance being issued.
	Funding for licensed treatments should not be withheld because of lack of guidance from NICE. In December 2006, we issued good practice guidance which asks national health service bodies to continue with local arrangements for the managed introduction of new technologies where guidance from NICE is not available at the time the treatment or technology first became available.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ask the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to review its guidance on the  (a) clinical assessment,  (b) diagnosis and  (c) management of myalgic encephalopathy, chronic fatigue syndrome.

Dawn Primarolo: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published its clinical guideline on the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in August 2007. We have no plans to ask NICE to review that guidance at this time.

Community Hospitals: Contracts

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the announcement on the second round of bidders for the Community Hospitals Fund will be made.

Ben Bradshaw: We announced a second wave of community hospitals and services on 11 April 2007. We are currently considering a third round of schemes and announcements will be made in due course.

Connecting for Health Programme: Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cash value of changes in the timetable for the delivery of the Connecting for Health programme in each financial year to date has been, broken down into  (a) resource and  (b) capital spending.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department's NHS Connecting for Health Agency is responsible both for ensuring delivery of the IT systems for the National Programme for Information Technology and for maintaining the critical business systems previously provided to the national health service by the former NHS Information Authority. Budgets and outturn expenditure for all the agency's responsibilities are in the following table.
	
		
			  £ million 
			   2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			  Revenue
			 Initial budget 380.0 623.0 540.0 
			 Outturn 260.0 539.0 528.0 
			 Underspend 120.0 84.0 12.0 
			 
			  Capital
			 Initial budget 400.0 535.0 1055.0 
			 Outturn 360.0 429.0 589.0 
			 Underspend 40.0 106.0 466.0

Departmental Alcoholic Drinks

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that English wine is served exclusively or at the request of guests at meals, parties and receptions hosted by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: All public procurement procedures must comply with the EC Treaty. The key principles of the Treaty, from a public procurement point of view, are the free movement of goods and services, and non-discrimination on the grounds of nationality. This legislation is designed to ensure that all public procurement across the European Union is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory.
	Regulation 30 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 lists the criteria that can be used to evaluate a tender where the main evaluation criterion is Most Economically Advantageous Tender (as opposed to price alone).
	This means that the Department of Health cannot specify that it will only buy goods (e.g. wine) from a particular country or locality, as that would discriminate against producers from other EU member states.
	However, the Government are committed to increase opportunities for small and local suppliers to tender for contracts, thus increasing competition and securing better value for money.

Departmental Correspondence

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of inquiries received by his Department from the public were responded to within  (a) one week,  (b) 14 days,  (c) 28 days,  (d) two months and  (e) three months in the last period for which figures are available; and in what percentage of cases it took (i) over three months and (ii) over one year to respond.

Ben Bradshaw: The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report to Parliament on the performance of Departments in replying to Members and Peers correspondence. The report for 2005 was published on 28 March 2007,  Official Report, column 101WS. Information relating to 2007 will be published as soon as it is ready at the end of the calendar year.
	Performance of the Department in replying to correspondence from members of the public can be found in its 2006 annual report.

Departmental Cost-effectiveness

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the value for money of his Department's turnaround programme in 2006-07.

Ben Bradshaw: The National Programme Office for Turnaround was established in February 2006 to provide expert and independent assistance in the development of robust and credible financial recovery plans for those organisations in particular financial difficulties.
	The programme also provided specific methodologies to support the delivery of the plans, and to assist in the delivery and monitoring of progress against the plans.
	In total, there were 104 organisations in the Turnaround Programme, who in 2005-06 posted a total aggregated deficit of £1,121 million.
	By the end of the 2006-07 financial year when the Turnaround Programme came to a formal end, this aggregate deficit within the 104 organisations had reduced to £637 million.
	This aggregate position is continuing to show improvements, with the quarter 1 forecast outturn for the 104 organisations improving by a further £635 million to an aggregated £1.7 million deficit.

Departmental Expenditure

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the titles are of all internal guidance documents produced within his Department on procedures relating to the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.

Ben Bradshaw: As usual during a spending review, the finance Directorate provided written and oral guidance to colleagues in the Department throughout the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review. The process for CSR07 was also outlined to the Department's senior leadership team in a note entitled "Financial Planning and CSR2007".

Departmental Foreign Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and  (b) non EU foreign nationals are employed by his Department.

Ben Bradshaw: A full identity and nationality check is carried out using documentary evidence prior to all appointments to the Department. A record of nationality is kept on individuals' hard-copy personnel files. The level of detail recorded on our Central Human Resources information system is not sufficient to answer this question and it would involve disproportionate costs to examine all relevant individual files.

Departmental ICT

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which manufacturers' software is used in his Department.

Ben Bradshaw: The manufacturers whose software is in use across the Department are:
	Adobe;
	Computer Associates;
	IBM;
	Microsoft;
	Oracle;
	Pointsec Mobile Technologies;
	Winzip.
	Other manufacturers whose software is used by subsections of the Department in support of key operation and business functions are:
	Bluecoat;
	BMC Software;
	Citrix;
	Compuware;
	Designer Appliances;
	Intergralis;
	ISI;
	MASS Information Systems;
	Mercury UK;
	Mindjet;
	MSRA;
	Nessoft LLC;
	Nuance;
	Quark;
	Quest Software (UK);
	Real Asset Management;
	RIM;
	SAS Sostware;
	Sirsi;
	Software Spectrum UK;
	SPSS (UK);
	Sun Microsystems;
	Symantec;
	Team Studio Europe;
	VeriSign UK;
	Veritas;
	Vmware;
	Webabacus;
	Webtrends.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who the special advisers in his Department are; what expertise each has; and what the cost of employing them was in the latest year for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement, given on 22 November 2007,  Official Report, column 147 WS.

Departmental Procurement

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all private finance initiative deals under which his Department or the NHS has incurred additional costs as a result of the need to make changes to the service specifications in the contract after the contract had been signed; and what the  (a) date of the change,  (b) nature of the change and  (c) additional costs incurred were in each case.

Ben Bradshaw: I refer the hon. Member to the reports of the House of Commons Health Select Committee "Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services", HC26-i, where detailed information on increases in payments for private finance initiative schemes after contract signature is reported. These reports are available in the Library.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a breakdown of his Department's plans for the allocation of the resources granted in the 2007 comprehensive spending review according to the categories in Figures A2 and A3 of his Department's 2007 departmental annual report for each financial year covered by the settlement.

Ben Bradshaw: Although high level figures for the 2007 spending review settlement have been agreed with HM Treasury, detailed allocations are still under discussion.
	The information requested is due to be published in the spring of 2008.

Departmental Publicity

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many full-time equivalent staff are responsible for brand management and marketing in his Department and its agencies;
	(2)  how much his Department and its agencies spent on staff working on  (a) marketing and  (b) branding in the last 12 month period for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: In November 2007, there were 13.3 marketing staff and 2.25 branding staff in the Department's Communications Directorate.
	Between November 2006 and October 2007 the total expenditure on Departmental staff working on marketing was £778.4 thousand and on branding £144.1 thousand.
	Agencies receive their funding from the Department, however the specifics of how they discharge those funds within general public sector parameters is an operational matter for the agencies concerned. We therefore do not hold detail of agencies' spend of staff on these issues or numbers of full-time equivalents.

Departmental Secondment

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many secondments of staff were made  (a) to and  (b) from his Department in each year since 1997; which organisations staff were seconded (i) to and (ii) from; how many staff were seconded in each year; for how long each secondment lasted; and what the cost was of each secondment in each year.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department's Human Resources (HR) system has only recently begun to record people on secondment into the Department. Also the system only records the number of people on secondment at a particular time rather than the total number of different people over the course of a year.
	As of 30 September 2007 there were 57.7 full-time equivalent staff seconded into the Department.
	As of 30 September 2007 there were 93.9 full-time equivalent staff seconded out of the Department to other organisations.
	Anecdotally, most secondments out of the Department are to national health service trusts, other health-related organisations or other Government Departments.
	Work carried out to answer a previous Freedom of Information request suggested that virtually all secondees into the Department are from public sector organisations. Anecdotally, most of these are from NHS trusts or other health-related organisations.
	The Departments HR System does not hold information on the length of secondments but these are typically for a period of up to two years.
	Given the Department does not hold information on the duration of secondments it cannot provide information on their costs.

Diseases: Eastern Region

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of  (a) HIV,  (b) tuberculosis,  (c) malaria and  (d) hepatitis B were diagnosed in (i) the east of England and (ii) Suffolk in each of the last five years; and how many of these were in people not born in the UK.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is shown in the following tables.
	
		
			  Individuals newly diagnosed with HIV in East of England Strategic Health Authority (SHA) and Suffolk Primary Care Trust (PCT), by place of birth 2002-06 
			   Place of birth  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 East of England United Kingdom born 72 79 84 99 103 
			  Non-UK born 364 422 424 332 284 
			  Not known 63 45 87 99 139 
			
			 Suffolk UK born <5 5 5 11 8 
			  Non-UK born 6 14 16 20 6 
			  Not known <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			  Notes: 1. Cumulative data to the end of June 2007. 2. Table will include some records of the same individuals, which are unmatchable because of differences in information supplied. 3. Numbers will rise as further reports are received, particularly for recent years. 4. Where fewer than five cases were reported for an area, the table indicates the number of cases is reported as <5 rather than the actual number in order to reduce the risk of deductive disclosure—this is standard HPA policy.  Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) 
		
	
	
		
			  Tuberculosis case reports in the East of England SHA and Suffolk PCT, by place of birth, 2002-06 
			   Place of birth  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 East of England UK born 110 98 109 147 105 
			  Non-UK born 201 204 257 301 284 
			  Not known 41 26 29 35 59 
			
			 Suffolk UK born 8 7 10 9 8 
			  Non-UK born 10 5 13 15 9 
			  Not known <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			  Note: Where fewer than five cases were reported for an area, the table indicates the number of cases is reported as <5 rather than the actual number in order to reduce the risk of deductive disclosure—this is standard HPA policy.  Source: Enhanced tuberculosis surveillance—HPA 
		
	
	
		
			  Imported malaria cases in East of England SHA and Suffolk PCT, by place of birth 2002-06 
			   Place of birth  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 East of England UK born 21 25 25 29 22 
			  Non-UK born 51 44 51 56 54 
			  Not known 58 61 57 72 90 
			
			 Suffolk UK born 5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			  Non-UK born <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			  Not known 5 5 <5 <5 6 
			  Note: Where fewer than five cases were reported for an area, the table indicates the number of cases is reported as <5 rather than the actual number in order to reduce the risk of deductive disclosure—this is standard HPA policy.  Source: HPA 
		
	
	
		
			  Laboratory confirmed cases of acute hepatitis B, East of England SHA, 1999-2003 
			   Number of cases 
			 1999 43 
			 2000 56 
			 2001 45 
			 2002 61 
			 2003 41 
			  Notes: 1. In 2004, there was a substantial deterioration in the quality of acute hepatitis B reporting and data have not been available after 2003. The HPA is working to improve the quality of information on acute hepatitis B reporting and provisional data should be available in 2008. 2. Data by country of birth are not available for hepatitis B.  Source: HPA

Doctors: Housing

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether NHS trusts have a statutory responsibility to provide accommodation for rent to junior doctors.

Ann Keen: No, the requirement for a junior doctor to reside in "accommodation supplied by the hospital approved for his general clinical training" came to an end from August 2007.

Doctors: Housing

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of removing free hospital-owned accommodation for junior doctors on meeting the requirements of the EU working time directive.

Ann Keen: We have no information to indicate that removing free hospital-owned accommodation for doctors in training affects meeting the European working time directive (EWTD) requirements. Modern working patterns no longer require doctors in training to be resident on-call.
	Local national health service trusts are responsible for assessing the impact of the EWTD as part of their health and safety obligations. The Department of Health in England continues to work with the NHS and health professions to support local EWTD implementation, including sharing learning from pilot projects.

Doctors: Housing

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to NHS trusts on  (a) contractual and  (b) other obligations on junior doctors renting hospital-owned accommodation.

Ann Keen: NHS Employers communicated on "Accommodation for first year foundation trainees" in their NHS Workforce Bulletin issued to the NHS on 30 July 2007. This advised that maintenance of existing accommodation arrangements for Foundation House Officer Year 1 Doctors can continue until 1 August 2008 given that most will already have made a contractual commitment to that effect. This information has also been on NHS Employers' website since July at: www.nhsemployers.org/pay-conditions/pay-conditions-357.cfm.
	It was not considered necessary to issue further guidance for doctors already covered by existing contractual provisions as the change to the Medical Act did not alter their situation in respect of tax or rental charges.

Doctors: Housing

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the level of rent charged by NHS trusts to junior doctors for hospital-owned accommodation.

Ann Keen: Accommodation charges are a matter for local determination and details of such are not collected or held centrally.

Doctors: Housing

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which NHS trusts provide accommodation  (a) free of charge and  (b) on a rental basis for junior doctors.

Ann Keen: The Department does not collect this information. Most trusts will have some accommodation stock for which they will charge, and it is unlikely that they will provide it at no cost to the doctor unless there is a contractual, statutory or service need. In such cases, arrangements to provide free accommodation will inevitably be subject to scrutiny to assess any tax liability on the benefit.

Genetically Modified Food

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what controls the Government have put in place to prevent genetically modified food from entering the food chain through the use of animal feed that has been GM derived; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will take steps to investigate supermarkets' food labelling claims to ensure that GM-derived food is not marketed as GM free.

Dawn Primarolo: We are advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that genetically modified (GM) crops may be used in animal feed in the European Union provided they have been authorised and that a safety assessment forms a key part of the authorisation process. GM food is subject to a similar, rigorous, safety assessment before being permitted to enter the food chain.
	The labelling requirements for GM food are set out in the directly applicable Regulations (EC) Nos. 1829/2003 (GM Food and Feed) and 1830/2003 (Traceability and Labelling of GM Organisms), the intention of which is to facilitate consumer choice. There is no requirement for food produced from animals fed on GM feed to be labelled as such, nor is there any provision for 'non-GM' and 'GM free' labelling. We are advised by the FSA that such labelling may, however, be used on a voluntary basis, as appropriate to the product concerned. The FSA has expressed the view that the use of the terms 'non-GM' and 'GM free' should mean that food labelled in this way is completely free from the use of GM technology.
	Local authorities are responsible for enforcement of the legislation at retail level and checks for the presence of GM material in foods on the basis of sampling form part of their enforcement activities. Local authorities also carry out checks on documentation to ensure that the traceability requirements are being met. These enforcement activities play an important role in consumer protection.

Health Centres: Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been allocated to provide health centres which open seven days a week in each year between 2007-08 and 2010-11; and what the proposed locations of these centres are.

Ben Bradshaw: On 10 October, the Secretary of State (Alan Johnson) announced a £250 million access fund to deliver 100 new general practitioner (GP) practices in the 25 per cent. of primary care trusts (PCT) with poorest provision and 150 GP-led health centres across the country. The Department is now working with the national health service to determine the distribution of funds to support delivery of these new services. As set out in the "Our NHS, Our Future" Next Stage Review interim report we expect the health centres to be easily accessible to all members of the local population, though the precise locations will be determined by PCTs based on their local needs assessment.

Health Education: Expenditure

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was allocated to public health awareness campaigns in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 13 November 2007
	The grid below outlines cost of departmental public health awareness campaign advertising in each year since 1997.
	
		
			  DH public health advertising campaigns expenditure summary 1997-98 to 2006-07 
			  £ million 
			  Campaign  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Alcohol (from 2006-07 DH contribution to campaign run jointly with HO) — — — — — 0.10 0.05 0.34 0.06 1.90 
			 Antibiotics — — 0.91 — 0.44 0.44 0.42 — 0.39 — 
			 Blood donation 0.60 1.70 0.22 — — — — — — — 
			 Carbon monoxide awareness — — — — — — — 0.01 — — 
			 CALM — — 0.53 — — 0.58 0.43 0.44 0.32 — 
			 Child immunisation 0.62 0.86 2.62 0.94 1.05 1.01 2.07 0.05 0.03 1.97 
			 Children's health/pregnancy — — — — — — 0.05 0.40 — — 
			 Drugs (DH contribution to campaign run jointly with HO) — — 0.53 0.50 — 1.52 1.50 1.99 1.26 3.13 
			 Flu 0.23 0.28 0.08 2.02 1.45 2.00 1.60 1.50 1.85 1.16 
			 Hepatitis C — — — — — — 0.15 0.70 1.28 0.53 
			 Immunisation — — — — 0.67 1.00 2.00 2.00 0.35 2.80 
			 Mind Out / Mental Health — — — — 0.13 0.16 0.95 — — — 
			 Maternal and infant nutrition/breastfeeding — — — — — 0.28 0.46 0.75 0.74 0.73 
			 National health service including nurse recruitment 1.30 4.90 4.21 4.90 5.00 4.23 4.90 5.84 0.23 — 
			 NHS Direct 0.12 0.78 1.24 0.21 1.08 0.58 0.75 — — 0.32 
			 Organ donation 0.02 0.77 0.47 0.43 0.18 0.22 — — — — 
			 Pandemic flu preparedness (standby materials) — — — — — — — — — 0.57 
			 Prescription fraud — 0.38 — 1.35 — 0.30 — — — — 
			 Promoting new NHS services (Caring in many ways) — — — — — — — 0.85 0.69 — 
			 Respiratory and hand hygiene — — — — — — — — — — 
			 Teenage pregnancy (from 2005-06 DH contribution to campaign run jointly with DCSF) — — 0.39 — 2.00 1.60 2.00 0.77 2.00 2.00 
			 Sexual health(1) — — — — 0.30 2.00 2.00 2.00 0.82 7.30 
			 Social care / worker recruitment — — — — 0.83 1.24 4.62 2.14 2.44 2.69 
			 Smoking — — 6.18 8.97 7.79 7.87 17.34 24.00 22.70 21.53 
			 TB awareness — — — — 0.30 0.09 0.01 0.20 — — 
			 Walk-in centres — — — 0.37 0.02 0.14 0.04 0.40 — — 
			 Winter (Get the right treatment / ask about medicines day) — — 1.02 2.03 0.16 0.50 1.87 0.99 0.98 — 
			 5-a-Day — — — — — 0.50 0.48 1.03 0.90 0.92 
			 Elll — — — — — — — 0.32 1.37 — 
			 (1) Excludes HIV prevention work, public and contraception awareness work and the sexual health helpline.

Health Services: Public Participation

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further steps he proposes to take to ensure that the views of public and patient groups are taken into account in the conclusions of the Enhancing Confidence in Professional Healthcare Regulation sub-group; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The report will be made available on the Department of Health's website, which includes mechanisms for people to directly feed in their views to the working groups.
	Wider feedback will be invited as part of the National Advisory Group Meeting planned for spring 2008.
	We are proposing to hold an event specifically for patient and public representatives in new year 2008. The purpose of this event would be to ensure that the views of patient and public representatives are invited across the range of issues raised in the programme set out in the White Paper, "Trust, Assurance and Safety".

Health Services: Regulation

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account will be taken of the report from the Enhancing Confidence in Professional Healthcare Regulation sub-group during the drafting of  (a) existing and  (b) future section 60 orders under the Health Act 1999.

Ben Bradshaw: The report of the Enhancing Confidence in the Professional Regulators Working Group will be taken into account when preparing Section 60 Orders planned for the second half of 2008. We will also consider the implications of the report alongside other responses to the consultation on the Health Care and Associated Professions (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2008, and to the forthcoming consultation on a further, similar Order covering professions where the regulation is devolved.

Hospitals: Construction

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new hospital schemes have been  (a) given the go-ahead by his Department,  (b) opened and  (c) cancelled in each financial year since 1997-98 for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: The information has been placed in the Library.
	In preparing the answer to this parliamentary question, officials have discovered that the answer given on 9 March 2007,  Official Report, column 2288W, contained an error. The £250 million private finance initiative scheme at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust which was cancelled in 2003 was mistakenly omitted from the answer.

Human Embryo Experiments

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many human embryos were created specifically for the purposes of research in each year since the passage of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.

Dawn Primarolo: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has informed me that data on the number of embryos created specifically for research purposes were not collected before 1999. Since then, the HFEA's register indicates that only two embryos were created specifically for research purposes.

Human Papilloma Virus: Vaccination

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to include women between the ages of 18 and 26 years in the human papilloma virus vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: We are currently considering the advice received from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on the effectiveness of a national vaccination programme for all women over the age of 18. However women not covered by the vaccination programme will still be invited to be screened routinely as part of the national cervical screening programme.

Labelling: Alcoholic Drinks

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with the brewery industry on alcohol warning labels required by different European Union states; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what plans his Department has to seek uniformity in alcohol warning labels across the European Union.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	We do not exclude the possibility of greater commonality of approach in future. It is unlikely that a consensus exists at present across the European Union (EU) on the content of consumer information related to health on alcohol labels. The United Kingdom prefers an approach which provides information to consumers on alcohol unit content and sensible daily consumption.
	The Department's officials have discussed with the Wine and Spirits Trade Association formal notifications by Finland and Poland to the European Commission seeking to introduce legislation in each country requiring alcohol warning labels. The UK has proposed that common approaches to providing consumer information should be explored through the EU Alcohol and Health Forum, since that is part of the Forum's agreed remit.

Liver Diseases: Alcoholic Drinks

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many diagnoses there were of alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver in those of  (a) 18 to 25,  (b) 26 to 35,  (c) 36 to 45 and  (d) over 45 years of age in (i) England and (ii) Devon Primary Care Trust area in each of the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Count of Finished Consultant Episodes (FCEs) with a diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver in primary or secondary fields for England and Devon primary care trusts (PCTs) by age at start of episode ,  d ata for NHS hospitals England for 2001-02 to 2005-06 
			   Age 
			   18-25  26-35  36-45  over 45 
			  England 
			 2005-06 57 814 3,365 15,109 
			 2004-05 25 654 3,040 12,932 
			 2003-04 39 555 2,707 10,882 
			 2002-03 25 476 2,244 9,563 
			 2001-02 17 433 2,037 8,047 
			  
			  Devon PCTs 
			 2005-06 — — 40 210 
			 2004-05 — — 23 186 
			 2003-04 — — 14 196 
			 2002-03 — * 7 110 
			 2001-02 — — 7 95 
			  Notes:  Low Numbers Due to reasons of confidentiality, figures between 1 and 5 have been suppressed and replaced with "*" (an asterisk). "—" represents zero.  All Diagnoses count of episodes These figures represent a count of all FCE's where the diagnosis was mentioned in any of the 14(7 prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in a Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) record. Diagnosis code used: K70.3 Alcoholic Cirrhosis of Liver.  Assessing growth through time HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. During the years that these records have been collected the NHS there have been ongoing improvements in quality and coverage. These improvements in information submitted by the NHS have been particularly marked in the earlier years and need to be borne in mind when analysing time series. Changes in NHS practice also need to be borne in mind when analysing time series. For example a number of procedures may. now be undertaken in outpatient settings and may no longer be accounted in the HES data. This may account for any reductions in activity over time.  Data Quality HES are compiled from data sent by over 300 NHS trusts and PCTs in England. The Information Centre for Health and Social Care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data via HES processes. Whilst this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain.  FCE A FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.  Ungrossed Data Figures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed).  Source:  HES, The Information Centre for Health and Social Care. Devon PCTs have need defined as the PCT responsible for the patient. This is derived from the general practitioner practice with which the patient is registered: 5CV South Hams and West Devon PCT 5FQ North Devon PCT 5FT East Devon PCT 5FV Mid Devon PCT

Lung Cancer: Tarceva

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects of different entitlements to Tarceva of patients in different parts of the UK on levels of care of patients in England and costs associated with that care; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: holding answer 29 November 2007
	Tarceva is licensed for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose cancer has continued to grow despite having chemotherapy. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is currently appraising Tarceva for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Final guidance is expected to be published April 2008. In the meantime, it will be for primary care trusts to decide whether to fund Tarceva for individual patients, taking into account the available evidence.
	No assessment has been made of the effects of different entitlements to Tarceva of patients in different parts of the United Kingdom on levels of care of patients in England and costs associated with that care.

Maternity Services

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 20 November 2007,  Official Report, column 830W, on maternity services, how many midwife-led units were  (a) situated alongside consultant-led units and  (b) stand-alone units.

Ann Keen: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			  SHA  Number midwife-led units situated alongside consultant-led units  Number of stand-alone midwife-led units 
			 East Midlands 0 3 
			 East of England 3 6 
			 London 11 2 
			 North East 1 5 
			 North West 2 7 
			 South Central 4 12 
			 South East Coast 3 3 
			 South West 4 17 
			 West Midlands 3 7 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 2 6 
			 Total 33 68 
		
	
	I regret that the information given in my answer on 20 November 2007,  Official Report, column 830W, was incorrect. The correct information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Region  Number of consultant-led units  Number of midwife-led units 
			 East Midlands 11 3 
			 East of England 19 9 
			 London 30 13 
			 North East 12 6 
			 North West 28 9 
			 South Central 11 16 
			 South East Coastal 16 6 
			 South West 16 21 
			 West Midlands 19 10 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 19 8 
			 England 181 101 
			  Source: National statistics for maternity units are collected by trust, instead of by individual unit Therefore there are no regular data collections of the number of units. The information in the table is from an amalgamated list kept by the Department from the Dr. Foster Birth Guide questionnaire (conducted between July and September 2006), BirthChoiceUK and National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit The data in this list are known to be out of date, coming mainly from 2005-06. More up to date data will be available when the Healthcare Commission report on maternity services is released in January.

Medical Treatments: Lasers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will begin its proposed consultation on deregulating of laser treatment.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department continues to keep the regulation of independent health care services under review. It is currently considering regulatory changes to some of these services, and expects to publish a formal consultation shortly.

Midwives: Peterborough District Hospital

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that pregnant women's options to choose to use the midwife-led unit at Peterborough district hospital are maintained and enhanced; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: It is the responsibility of primary care trusts to ensure that the services they commission meet the needs of the populations that they serve, including maternity services.
	The Department has developed a framework document, "Maternity matters: Choice, access and continuity of care in a safe service" which was published in April 2007. It describes a comprehensive programme of improving choice, access and continuity of care in maternity services.

NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 14 November 2007,  Official Report, column 288WA, on the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, if he will list all the citizen and patient representatives who have sat on the board of the Institute and, previously, the NHS Modernisation Agency, stating for each the  (a) start date and  (b) end date of their period for service.

Dawn Primarolo: Professor Tony Butterworth was appointed chair of the NHS Institute's Involvement Think Tank in June 2007 and at that point, assumed the role of citizen and patient representative on the board of the NHS Institute.
	The Think Tank met for the first time in October of this year and meets again in February 2008.
	The Modernisation Agency did not have a patient representative on its board during its existence.

NHS: Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will quantify the level of commitment required over the next Comprehensive Spending Review period in order to implement  (a) the European Working Time Directive and  (b) the NHS Connecting for Health programme as stated on page 17 of his Department's NHS Pay Review Body: Review for 2008, published on his Department's website on 2nd November 2007.

Ben Bradshaw: The level of commitment required to implement the European Working Time Directive will depend on local service needs and the nature of the solutions utilised to ensure continued high quality patient care.
	The NHS Connecting for Heath Programme include both central funding and local expenditure to deliver better, safer care to patients, via new computer systems and services.
	A total cost of £12.4 billon (at 2004-05 prices) was identified in the National Audit Office report (June 2006) for total spending on the programme over its lifetime. This includes the comprehensive spending review period 2008-09 to 2010-11.

NHS: Finance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to announce his response to the review commissioned by his Department of the market forces factor; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) has been reviewing the current allocation formula. ACRA has requested additional time to finalise its work. Given the importance of getting the revenue allocation formula right, ACRA has been granted this extra time. Therefore, allocations for 2008-09, which will be published shortly, will not include the review of the market forces factor.
	Once ACRA's work is complete, ACRA will make recommendations on proposed changes to the formula. Ministers will need to give due consideration to any proposed changes to the formula, as recommended by ACRA.
	An announcement on ACRA's work and the revenue allocations to primary care trusts will be made as soon as is practically possible on completion of ACRA's work programme.

NHS: Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to Table 5 in his Department's memorandum to the Health Select Committee on Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services 2006, for what reason his Department underspent its hospital, community and family health services  (a) non-cash and  (b) near-cash budget in 2006-07; and if he will provide a break down of the underspend in each budget.

Ben Bradshaw: The figures provided to the Health Select Committee were based on in-year forecasts, and consistent with the figures published in the 2007 departmental report. The outturn position was published in the 2007 Public Expenditure Outturn White Paper.
	The Department's financial plans for 2006-07 included an £800 million Department Unallocated Provision (DUP) for non-cash items—funds set aside for exceptional and unplanned items. The figures in the departmental report were based on a forecast hospital, community and family health services underspend of £681 million and a £6 million underspend on centrally held and managed services, leaving £687 million of the DUP unused.
	The near-cash underspend of £180 million was the combined forecast underspend by the national health service and the central programme.

NHS: Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to Table 57a in his Department's memorandum to the Health Select Committee on Public Expenditure on Health and Personal Social Services 2006, for what reason allocations in the Centrally Funded Initiatives and Special Services Allocation programme fell in 2006-07.

Ben Bradshaw: The 2004-05 and 2005-06 Centrally Funded Initiatives and Special Services Allocation (CFISSA) allocation figures reported in Table 57a of the Department's memorandum include substantial sums that were added to primary care trust baselines in 2006-07. These resources were therefore no longer included in the CFISSA programme for that year.

NHS: Foreign Nationals

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many foreign nationals received NHS treatment in each of the last three years; and what mechanisms his Department has in place to ensure that those that are required to pay for the treatment do so.

Dawn Primarolo: It is not possible to provide the information requested. Successive Governments have not required the national health service to provide statistics on the number of foreign nationals seen, treated or charged under the provisions of the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989, as amended, nor any costs involved.
	The charging regulations place a legal obligation on providers of NHS hospital services to establish whether patients are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and, if not, whether they are exempt from charges under the provisions of the regulations or liable to pay for any treatment provided. The Department has provided comprehensive guidance on implementation of the charging regulations to help NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts to discharge their obligations under these regulations.

NHS: PFI

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS has paid in private finance initiative (PFI) charges in each of the last 10 years; and what estimated PFI charges the NHS is liable for in each of the next 10 years.

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent from his Department's resource budget on unitary charges under the private finance initiative for each financial year since 1997-98 for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: Information has been placed in the Library, which gives details of private finance initiative schemes which have reached financial close.

Palliative Care: Finance

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Government expects to publish its comprehensive end-of-life care strategy; and what the timescale is for the doubling of funding for palliative care.

Ivan Lewis: End of life care is one of the eight pathways that strategic health authorities are examining as part of the NHS Next Stage Review. The review is being led by local clinical pathway groups and has the potential to inform and strengthen the national strategy. Publication of the strategy will happen in parallel with publication of the Next Stage Review final report scheduled for summer 2008.
	The manifesto commitment to double the investment in palliative care is being taken forward as part of the work to develop the End of Life Care Strategy.

Pandemic Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his statement of 22 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1350, on pandemic influenza, how many  (a) poultry workers,  (b) farm labourers and  (c) related staff have been vaccinated for H5N1 since the outbreak of the virus was first discovered in Suffolk on 11 November.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 November 2007,  Official Report, column 558W.

Patient Choice Schemes

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent on Choose and Book to date; and to which companies payments have been made in respect of Choose and Book.

Ben Bradshaw: Total payments to date to Atos Origin relating to the development, delivery and maintenance of choose and book total £85.1 million. This includes £39 million for the development and deployment of the core system by the supplier under the original core contract worth £64.5 million over five years. It also includes a further £46.1 million for approved additional services and functionality identified in the contract, the costs of which are within the budget for the original choose and book business case.
	Choose and book is now being used for over 45 per cent. of referral activity from general practitioners to first out-patient appointments. Some 6.2 million bookings have been made to date.

Pharmacy

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what consultation procedures are followed for applications to open pharmacies within a primary care trust area;
	(2)  what guidance is given to primary care trusts on who they should consult when considering applications to open new pharmacies in an area;
	(3)  whether the NHS Review Panel consults  (a) local residents,  (b) local councillors and  (c) hon. Members when considering appeals relating to applications for pharmacies to be opened in an area.

Dawn Primarolo: There are no consultation procedures when a pharmacy wishes to open premises. However, if a pharmacy wishes to provide national health service services, there are procedures under the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations (SI 2005/641) for notifying details of pharmaceutical applications, which vary according to the type of application received. Some, such as a minor relocation of existing premises, are decided administratively by the primary care trust (PCT) without prior notification while others are subject to quite extensive notification. The PCT therefore has quite a wide discretion as to which local interests it notifies. Those notified usually have 45 days to respond.
	The Department has published extensive guidance for primary care trusts to support implementation of these regulations. The guidance is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4107573
	Chapters 3 and 4 give information on notifying the details of pharmacy applications.
	The Family Health Services Appeal Unit of the NHS Litigation Authority has been directed to deal with appeals against decisions of primary care trusts relating to pharmaceutical applications on behalf of the Secretary of State (Alan Johnson). The unit will notify appeal details concerning a new pharmacy to the applicant and to relevant primary care professionals and local representative groups who were originally notified of the application by the PCT and who made representations within the stipulated time. However, the unit is not required to notify local individuals who made representation.

Prescriptions

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what dates since January 2007 his Department has had discussions with the Prescription Pricing Division of the NHS Business Services Authority; and what the content was of such discussions.

Dawn Primarolo: The Department meets with the prescription pricing division of the Business Services Authority on a regular basis at which a range of operational issues are discussed.

Prescriptions: Information and Communications Technology

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards determining how the different IT systems in use in England, Scotland and Wales will manage cross-border electronic prescriptions.

Ben Bradshaw: The devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have chosen different approaches to the development of information technology support in their respective health services from those being delivered to the national health service in England. These reflect their own functional requirements and assessment of priorities to meet their own needs.
	Paper prescriptions will continue to be available to patients in England who wish to have their prescriptions dispensed in one of the other home countries.

Rehabilitation Centres

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residential drug treatment and rehabilitation centres there are in England and Wales; and how many have been closed in the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: 118 residential drug treatment and rehabilitation centres are currently registered on the National Treatment Agency's online directory of residential rehabilitation services for England and Wales.
	Although this is not a comprehensive list of residential rehabilitation services, it represents the vast majority of services commissioned by drug action teams and local authorities for substance misuse treatment.
	Information on the number of residential drug treatment and rehabilitation centres that have been closed in the last five years is not collated centrally.

Sex: Health Education

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department has spent of the £50 million allocated to the sexual health advertising campaigns programme announced in 2004, broken down by campaign; and what plans his Department has made for further sexual health advertising campaigns.

Dawn Primarolo: This information is contained in the following table(1).
	(1) The figures relate to the Condom Essential Wear campaign. They exclude HIV prevention work, public and contraception awareness work and the sexual health helpline.
	
		
			   Campaign name  £ million 
			 2006-07 Condom Essential Wear 7.3 
			 2007-08 Condom Essential Wear (1)4.7 
			 (1 )Identified spend so far this financial year. 
		
	
	We have also contributed an average of £2 million per annum in 2006-07 and 2007-08 to the Department for Children, Schools and Families for joint work on teenage pregnancy campaigns.
	Plans for the continuation of the campaign in 2008-09 and beyond are currently being drawn up.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of sexually transmitted diseases were diagnosed in each of the last five years, broken down by  (a) primary care trust and  (b) type of disease.

Dawn Primarolo: Information on the diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in genitourinary clinics (GUM) is currently only available at strategic health authority (SHA) level. The total number of the five main STIs (gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, anogenital herpes and warts) by SHA for the last five years will be placed in the Library.
	In addition to the figures for those diagnosed with chlamydia in GUM clinics the total number of people who have been diagnosed with chlamydia within the National Chlamydia Screening Programme by primary care trust since 2003-04 when the programme was launched, has been placed in the Library.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Health Education

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department has spent on information campaigns about sexually transmitted infections over the last five years.

Dawn Primarolo: Expenditure on sexual health information campaigns in England for the last five years is contained in the following table(1):
	(1) This includes funding for HIV prevention work (contracted out to the Terence Higgins Trust and the African HIV Policy Network), public education and contraception awareness (contracted out to the family planning association), the Sex Lottery and Condom Essential Wear campaigns and sexual health(1) helpline. (2) Contract for the Sexual Health Information Line, (formerly the National AIDS Helpline) is delivered as part of a contract which also includes Drinkline and Frank (substance misuse prevention).
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2002-03 6.600 
			 2003-04 6.600 
			 2004-05 6.600 
			 2005-06 5.120 
			 2006-07 11.25 
			 2007-08 (1)10.25 
			 (1) Identified spend so far this financial year. 
		
	
	We have also contributed an average of £2 million per annum in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 to the Department for Children, Schools and Families for joint work on Teenage Pregnancy campaigns.

Speech Impaired: Disability Aids

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has had with  (a) the Department for Communities and Local Government and  (b) the Department for Work and Pensions on (i) funding for and (ii) provision of alternative and augmentative communication aids; and what (1) response he has made and (2) steps he has taken in response to the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report on the life chances of disabled people in relation to the provision of such aids.

Ivan Lewis: The Department has not made any such estimates or assessments and has not issued guidance.
	It is the responsibility of local health and social care organisations to prioritise and allocate funding for communication aids based on their assessment of the needs of their local populations. To support this process the Government recently announced, through the comprehensive spending review, that local authority funding will increase by £2.6 billion by 2010-11.
	Recommendation 5.6 of the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report "Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People", focuses on the provision of community equipment, communication aids and wheelchairs for children. As part of the process of addressing this recommendation the Department launched the Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services programme in June 2006.
	In addition, the Department, is working closely with the Department for Children, Schools and Families to support the Bercow Review. The Bercow Review is currently reviewing services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs with the aim of producing a report in the summer of 2008.

TREASURY

Alcoholic Drinks: Death

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths attributable to  (a) alcohol and  (b) illegal drugs there were in the UK in each of the last five years, broken down by primary care trust.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many deaths attributable to  (a) alcohol and  (b) illegal drugs there were in the UK in each of the last five years, broken down by primary care trust. (169360)
	The attached table provides the number of  (a) deaths with an alcohol-related underlying cause and  (b) drug misuse deaths, in the United Kingdom, from 2001 to 2005 (the latest year available), and in English primary care organisations, from 2001 to 2006 and 2005 (the latest years available for alcohol-related and drug misuse deaths, respectively). A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

Capital Gains Tax

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate what the cost to the Exchequer would be of exempting from capital gains tax business owners who sell their businesses upon retirement up to the value of  (a) £100,000,  (b) £200,000,  (c) £300,000,  (d) £400,000,  (e) £500,000 and  (f) £1,000,000 in 2008-09.

Jane Kennedy: The cost would depend on the scope of the relief and on taxpayer behaviour. Broad estimates are provided in the table as follows:
	
		
			  Exemption limit (£)  Annual reduction in CGT accruals (£ million) 
			 100,000 100 
			 200,000 150 
			 300,000 200 
			 400,000 250 
			 500,000 250 
			 1,000,000 300 
		
	
	The initial impact on receipts would occur in the year after the introduction of the measure.

Capital Gains Tax

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will make an assessment of the likely effects of increasing the capital gains tax rate to 18 per cent. from April 2008 in relation to business assets held for at least two years on  (a) long-term investment,  (b) entrepreneurial risk-taking and  (c) numbers of small businesses being established in England;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the likely effects of equalising the capital gains tax rates of long-term business assets and personal investments in shares and property on  (a) propensity to invest and  (b) business optimism within the small business sector; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will reconsider his decision to increase the capital gains tax rate on business assets held for at least two years from 10 per cent. to 18 per cent. from April 2008;
	(4)  if he will retain the 10 per cent. taper relief on business assets held for at least two years.

Jane Kennedy: The Government consider a range of factors when formulating tax policy and keep all aspects of tax policy under review.
	The Government believe that it is right to simplify the capital gains tax rules and are working with interested groups to listen to their views on a number of issues. The Chancellor will report to Parliament on his final proposals in due course.

Child Benefit

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance is provided to local benefit offices on the provision of the name of alternative claimants for child benefit to parents of the child concerned; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: HM Revenue and Customs is responsible for the administration of child benefit. All information held or obtained by HMRC is treated as confidential under the terms of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005. As such child benefit office staff are not permitted to comment on or divulge any aspect of a child benefit claim with any person other than the claimant.

Child Benefit

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many cases in each of the last 12 months the Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs have made decisions concerning which claimant should receive child benefit, where there are multiple applicants; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: The number of decisions made by the child benefit office in the last year concerning which claimant should receive child benefit where there have been applications made by more than one claimant (shared cases) in respect of the same child or children are shown in the table as follows:
	
		
			  Month and year  Number of decision made 
			  2006  
			 November 220 
			 December 187 
			  2007  
			 January 222 
			 February 198 
			 March 212 
			 April 235 
			 May 249 
			 June 238 
			 July 255 
			 August 164 
			 September 164 
			 October 235

Child Benefit: EC Nationals

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how much the Government have paid in child benefit to A8 nationals in respect of children living abroad in the last 12 months;
	(2)  how many claims for guardian's allowance from migrants in respect of children living abroad were made in each of the last 12 months; and how much was paid against such claims in each of those months;
	(3)  how many claims for child benefit by nationals of EEA countries were made in respect of children living abroad in the last 12 months;
	(4)  how many claims for child benefit have been made by A8 nationals of each country of origin in respect of children living abroad in the last 12 months;
	(5)  what projections his Department has made of future trends in the numbers of child benefit claims made by A8 nationals in respect of children living abroad.

Jane Kennedy: At the end of September 2007, there were 17,794 A8 nationals receiving child benefit for a child or children living in another EEA member state, broken down by nationality as follows.
	
		
			  Country  Number of awards 
			 Czech Republic 84 
			 Estonia 7 
			 Hungary 30 
			 Latvia 167 
			 Lithuania 397 
			 Poland 16,286 
			 Slovakia 821 
			 Slovenia 2 
			 Total 17,794 
		
	
	The other information requested is not available.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Sarah Teather: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will notify all those who may have been directly affected by the loss of personal data from the Child Benefit database.

Jane Kennedy: Dave Hartnett, HMRC's acting chairman, is writing to all affected customers, to reassure them that their child benefit payments will continue and to advise them of security precautions they may wish to take.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the HM Revenue and Customs official who posted two compact discs containing confidential child benefit information was authorised to access and download such information to disc.

Jane Kennedy: It would be inappropriate to comment on this issue as there is an ongoing Metropolitan Police Service investigation and an independent review of HMRC's security processes and procedures for data handling led by Kieran Poynter, the Chair of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
	The full terms of reference for that review are available on the HM Treasury website at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/press/2007_133_07.cfm
	and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many child benefit claimants in each London borough are affected by the loss of bank details by HM Revenue and Customs; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The missing information contains details of all child benefit recipients, including those in London boroughs.
	The Acting Chairman of HM Revenue and Customs is writing to all customers affected by the loss of child benefit data.
	Information on families receiving child benefit at 31 August 2006 by local authority and parliamentary constituency are published as part of National Statistics and can be found in Table 2 of Child Benefit Statistics Geographical Analysis which are available on HMRC's website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child_benefit/geog-aug06.pdf

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many  (a) children and  (b) adults in each (i) London borough and (ii) Government region have had their personal details lost in the recent security breach at HM Revenue and Customs.

Jane Kennedy: The missing information contains details of all child benefit recipients, including the London boroughs and Government regions.
	Information on families receiving child benefit at 31 August 2006 by local authority and Government regions are published as part of National Statistics and can be found in Tables 1 a and 2 of Child Benefit Statistics Geographical Analysis which are available on HMRC's website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child_benefit/geog-aug06.pdf

Child Tax Credit: EU Nationals

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he plans to take to measure the amount of child tax credit paid to A8 nationals in respect of children living abroad.

Jane Kennedy: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 October 2007,  Official Report, column 210W.

Child Trust Fund: North East Region

Denis MacShane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the percentage of eligible parents who have opened a child trust fund in  (a) Rotherham,  (b) Sheffield,  (c) Doncaster,  (d) Barnsley,  (e) Richmond-upon-Thames,  (f) York and  (g) Harrogate.

Kitty Ussher: Constituency and regional data on Child Trust Fund accounts, including for account-opening rates, was published on 24 October 2007 and can be viewed on the HM Revenue and Customs' website at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm.

Council of Economic Advisers

Theresa May: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have been made to the remit and membership of the Council of Economic Advisers since June 2007; who the members of the Council are; and to which pay band each is allocated.

Angela Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 29 October 2007,  Official Report, column 893W, 24 July 2007, column 1000W, and 16 July 2007, column 72W.

Departmental Catering

Roger Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of  (a) beef,  (b) lamb,  (c) pork and  (d) dairy products used in his departmental headquarters were imported products in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: The report deposited in the House of Commons Library on 8 November 2007 gives the proportion of UK produce supplied to HM Treasury.
	Based on this date, the relevant figures for imported products are:
	
		
			   Percentage 
			 Beef 60 
			 Pork 60 
			 Lamb 60 
			 Dairy products (1 )20 
			 (1 )eggs, milk and cheese

Departmental Complaints

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints about  (a) his Department and  (b) HM Revenue and Customs were received from members of the public by his Department in 2006-07; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what records his Department holds of complaints received on services provided to the public by  (a) his Department and  (b) HM Revenue and Customs.

Angela Eagle: The number of complaints received by HM Revenue and Customs in 2006-07 is published in the Department's 2007 Annual Report. Information on complaints made to the Treasury is not held centrally.

Departmental Cost Effectiveness

Justine Greening: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  pursuant to his Department's annual efficiency savings targets, what savings were made by his Department in  (a) salary and  (b) administrative costs in each year since 2003-04; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of core Treasury's delivered efficiency savings in relation to  (a) policy, funding and regulation—directorate baseline budgets,  (b) policy, funding and regulation—strategic reserve and  (c) programme for each year since 2003-04; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: HM Treasury Group publishes the progress against its efficiency targets in its spring annual report and accounts and autumn performance report. The 2007 autumn performance report will be published shortly.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions packages containing confidential data have been sent from his Department and its agencies without using registered or recorded delivery services in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is not available.

Departmental Labour Turnover

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the percentage turnover of staff was in  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's agencies in (i) the last 12-month period and (ii) the last 24-month period for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: The percentage of turnover of staff in HM Treasury and its agencies is as follows:
	
		
			Percentage 
			  Department  Year  Turnover 
			 HM Treasury 2006-07 14 
			  2005-06 14 
			 OGC Buying Solutions 2006-07 7 
			  2005-06 14 
			 Debt Management Office 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2007 14 
			  1 October 2005 to 30 September 2006 13

Departmental Recruitment

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people aged  (a) 30 to 39,  (b) 40 to 49,  (c) 50 to 59 and  (d) 60 to 69 years have (i) applied for jobs, (ii) received interviews and (iii) gained (A) temporary and (B) permanent jobs in his Department in 2007.

Angela Eagle: Following the Age Discrimination Act, 2006, and in line with best practice, we do not ask applicants to disclose their age. We are therefore unable to provide information on the ages of people applying for jobs or who received interviews.
	The following table provides the information requested from those applicants who were offered both permanent and temporary posts at HM Treasury in 2007.
	
		
			  Age of  a pplicant  Applicants offered permanent job  Applicants offered temporary job 
			 30-39 6 41 
			 40-49 3 25 
			 50-59 3 5 
			 60-69 0 0

Departments: Complaints

Dai Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 30 October 2007, Official Report, column 1183W to the hon. Member for Fareham on Departments: complaints, if he will require HM Revenue and Customs to maintain records of complaints about them which they receive from members of the public.

Angela Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have today given the hon. Members for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) and Fareham (Mr. Hoban) (UINs 164164 and 164773).

Diesel Fuel: Prosecutions

John Spellar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have been prosecuted for illegal use or sale of red diesel in the last 12 months.

Angela Eagle: In the UK 11 people were prosecuted in the last year in relation to the laundering of red diesel and its onward sale to retail sites.
	A further three people have been prosecuted in cases solely involving the detection of red diesel laundering plants.
	These figures include persons charged, dealt with by information and summons and awaiting trial.
	Criminal investigation and prosecution for hydrocarbon oils offences form only one part of HMRC's overall approach to tackling oils fraud, together with the investigation/prosecution of wider oils excise offences, combined with a strong regulatory control system and the civil penalties regime.
	In the UK, for the period 1 January 2007 to 31 October 2007, 3,224 vehicles were detected running on rebated fuel. The majority involved red diesel. These cases are dealt with by seizure of the vehicle which can be restored on payment of a fee. This approach is consistent with HMRC's Oils Strategy, progress against which is detailed in the Annual Reports. Copies of the Annual Reports are available in the Library of the House.

Elderly: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people resident in each London borough over the age of 65 years died during the winter months in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many people resident in each London borough over the age of 65 years died during the winter months in each year since 1997. (169244)
	Figures for winter deaths are calculated using a definition of winter as a four-month period from December of one year to March of the next year. The table below provides the number of winter deaths of people resident in each London borough over the age of 65, for the years 1996/97 to 2005/06 (the latest available).
	
		
			  Table 1: Winter deaths of persons over the age of 65( 1) , London boroughs( 2) , 1996-97 to 2005-06 
			  Deaths (persons) 
			  London borough  1996-97  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 City of London 16 16 12 23 13 10 13 13 13 7 
			 Barking and Dagenham 614 479 555 604 560 503 521 489 513 431 
			 Barnet 1,100 942 962 1,049 825 940 825 796 830 751 
			 Bexley 674 621 708 724 652 589 672 618 632 593 
			 Brent 563 527 547 544 491 471 474 483 454 398 
			 Bromley 1,063 873 1,039 1,001 915 824 909 883 836 817 
			 Camden 489 463 441 474 394 394 369 403 393 320 
			 Croydon 929 816 911 954 806 842 796 782 760 757 
			 Ealing 792 693 742 742 617 636 627 603 630 544 
			 Enfield 815 739 872 851 694 774 762 702 696 653 
			 Greenwich 715 582 621 667 578 536 570 575 606 456 
			 Hackney 412 373 431 432 339 303 348 300 300 342 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 396 324 349 352 311 291 314 250 298 256 
			 Haringey 551 433 471 452 404 391 412 383 323 322 
			 Harrow 601 566 597 593 498 498 496 465 517 464 
			 Havering 859 662 803 869 711 757 805 771 775 696 
			 Hillingdon 731 634 668 748 620 615 609 612 616 564 
			 Hounslow 518 504 513 580 497 492 492 479 405 469 
			 Islington 451 372 413 382 323 333 322 318 339 301 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 378 328 345 333 260 267 267 263 268 263 
			 Kingston upon Thames 442 429 470 443 436 435 372 380 382 369 
			 Lambeth 577 481 518 587 480 422 458 436 441 422 
			 Lewisham 789 645 702 727 604 597 588 550 592 521 
			 Merton 565 480 541 517 469 398 411 413 411 405 
			 Newham 592 456 512 588 460 452 444 389 422 379 
			 Redbridge 828 645 759 721 608 639 608 620 645 574 
			 Richmond upon Thames 527 493 542 537 440 434 462 435 403 397 
			 Southwark 617 519 539 593 521 459 465 458 463 377 
			 Sutton 654 562 599 595 554 525 467 513 483 510 
			 Tower Hamlets 494 383 413 429 357 357 340 304 316 350 
			 Waltham Forest 712 551 689 648 587 531 ,562 464 557 451 
			 Wandsworth 819 679 679 700 612 592 544 523 576 534 
			 Westminster 502 421 437 460 391 389 366 399 332 315 
			 (1) Winter deaths are defined as those occurring in December of one year, plus those occurring in January to March of the following year. (2) Using boundaries as of 2007 for all years.

Employment

Stephen Byers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of  (a) men and  (b) women of working age are in (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employment in each local authority area.

Kitty Ussher: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on full-time and part-time employment. (170686).
	The Office for National Statistics compiles employment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	Table 1, attached, shows the numbers of men of working age, working full-time and working part-time in each local authority in Great Britain. The table also shows these numbers as percentages of all men of working age in employment in the areas. Tables 2 and 3, show the same information, for women and all people respectively. A copy of the tables have been placed in the House of Commons Library.
	As these estimates are for a subset of the population in small geographical areas, they are based on small sample sizes, and are therefore subject to large margins of uncertainty.

Excise Duties: Fuels

Susan Kramer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to the public purse was of not keeping fuel duty in line with inflation in each year since 2000.

Angela Eagle: The cost to the Exchequer of all changes in fuel duty compared to increases in line with inflation can be found in the Financial Statement and Budget and pre-Budget reports for each year since 2000.

First Solution Money Transfer

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to  (a) compensate former customers of the money transfer company First Solution and  (b) establish a new regulatory framework for the operation of such companies.

Kitty Ussher: The Government sympathize with those affected by the closure of First Solution. The Companies Investigation Branch, within the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, is carrying out an examination of the facts. An agreement has been reached on the sale of the company's assets which, in the opinion of the official receiver, will provide the best possible outcome for its creditors. In the context of the agreement reached on the Payment Services Directive (PSD) in April 2007, the Government have committed to bring money transfer companies into regulation from November 2009. The Treasury will launch a consultation on the implementation of the PSD before the end of the year.

Fuel: Excise Duties

David Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what fuel duty was payable on a litre of petrol in  (a) January 1996,  (b) January 1999,  (c) January 2001,  (d) January 2003,  (e) January 2005 and  (f) January 2007;
	(2)  what research has been  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated by his Department on the effect of an (i) increase and (ii) decrease in fuel duty on (A) food prices and (B) the cost of living; what recent representations he has received the cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: Details of the fuel duty payable on leaded, unleaded and ultra low sulphur petrol are published at:
	www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=bulloil.
	In taking taxation decisions as part of the Budget process the Government consider a range of factors including the impact on prices and any representations received. The increases in fuel duty announced in Budget 2007 were announced for environmental reasons, to fund public services and provide certainty alongside the other tax reforms in that Budget. They have been fully taken account of in Treasury inflation forecasts.

Immigration: East of England

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of inward migration on  (a) economic activity and  (b) the labour market in (i) North West Cambridgeshire, (ii) Cambridgeshire and (iii) the East of England over the last 10 years.

Kitty Ussher: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what assessment has been made of the effect of inward migration on (a) economic activity and (b) the labour market in (i) North West Cambridgeshire, (ii) Cambridgeshire and (hi) the East of England over the last 10 years. (169391)
	Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the main summary indicator of economic activity in the UK. Because data collection, estimation and reporting are not structured according to demographic groups, the national accounts framework does not however make it possible to identity the direct contribution of immigrants to the measured levels of economic activity.
	The Office for National Statistics compiles statistics for labour supply indicators for local areas from the annual Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	The data for analysing migrants also come from the above surveys. The National Statistics method for estimating the number of migrant workers employed in the UK is routinely based on the number of people at a given time who were born abroad, are of working age (16-64 for men, 16-59 for women). This question has been answered on this basis. It means, for example, that some people who are UK nationals will be included in the total of "foreign born" and that people who are working but are above state pension age are not included.
	When interpreting these figures, it is important also to bear in mind that the LFS and APS are not designed to cover everyone who is present in the UK. The survey may undercount the numbers of people who were born overseas. The reasons are set out in the table footnote.
	The annual LFS and APS estimates at this detailed level are only available consistent with the UK population estimates published in February and March 2003 and are not comparable with the estimates published in the Labour Market Statistics First Release on 14 November 2007, which are based on latest population estimates.
	
		
			  Table 1: Economic activity status of working age( 1)  non-UK born people in the North West Cambridgeshire constituency 
			   Thousand( 2)  
			  12 months ending  Employment level  Unemployment level  Economically active  Non-UK born economically actives as percentage of all economically actives (percentage) 
			 February 2001 3 (3)— 3 6 
			 February 2002 3 (3)— 3 6 
			 February 2003 4 (4)— 5 8 
			 February 2004 5 (3)— 5 8 
			 March 2005 4 (3)— 4 7 
			 March 2006 4 (4)— 4 7 
			 December 2006 4 (3)— 4 7 
			 (1 )Includes males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59.  (2 )Does not include respondents who did not answer the question on country of birth.  (3) Sample size too small to provide estimate.  (4) Estimate less than 500.   Notes:  1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability.  2. It should also be noted that the country of birth question in the LFS gives an undercount because: it excludes certain people who have not been resident in the UK for 6 months; it excludes students in halls who do not have a UK resident parent; it excludes people in most other types of communal establishments (eg hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites, etc); it is grossed to population estimates which exclude migrants staying for less than 12 months; microdata are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates.   Source:  Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table  2 : Economic activity status of working age( 1)  non-UK born people in Cambridgeshire 
			   Thousand( 2)  
			  12 months ending  Employment level  Unemployment level  Economically active  Non-UK born economically actives as percentage of all economically actives (percentage) 
			 February 2001 25 1 27 9 
			 February 2002 26 1 27 10 
			 February 2003 22 (3)— 23 8 
			 February 2004 24 2 26 9 
			 March 2005 30 1 31 10 
			 March 2006 33 2 36 12 
			 December 2006 40 4 44 15 
			 (1 )Includes males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59.  (2 )Does not include respondents who did not answer the question on country of birth.  (3) Sample size too small to provide estimate.   Notes:  1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability.  2. It should also be noted that the country of birth question in the LFS gives an undercount because: it excludes certain people who have not been resident in the UK for 6 months; it excludes students in halls who do not have a UK resident parent; it excludes people in most other types of communal establishments (eg hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites, etc); it is grossed to population estimates which exclude migrants staying for less than 12 months; microdata are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates.   Source:  Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table  3 : Economic activity status of working age( 1)  non-UK born people in the  East of England 
			   Thousand( 2)  
			  12 months ending  Employment level  Unemployment level  Economically active  Non-UK born economically actives as percentage of all economically actives (percentage) 
			 February 2001 173 7 180 7 
			 February 2002 194 8 203 8 
			 February 2003 192 11 202 8 
			 February 2004 189 15 204 8 
			 March 2005 212 10 222 8 
			 March 2006 236 14 251 9 
			 December 2006 262 18 280 10 
			 (1 )Includes males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59.  (2 )Does not include respondents who did not answer the question on country of birth.   Notes:  1. Estimates are subject to sampling variability.  2. It should also be noted that the country of birth question in the LFS gives an undercount because: it excludes certain people who have not been resident in the UK for 6 months; it excludes students in halls who do not have a UK resident parent; it excludes people in most other types of communal establishments (eg hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites, etc); it is grossed to population estimates which exclude migrants staying for less than 12 months; microdata are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates.   Source:  Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey.

Insurance: Cancer

Nick Gibb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints have been received by the Financial Ombudsman Service on the sale of  (a) critical illness insurance for all types of breast cancer and  (b) critical illness insurance for ductal carcinoma in situ.

Kitty Ussher: The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) records complaint numbers in relation to product type. The FOS does not record data showing the breakdown of complaints received by both the product type and the type of illness that has given rise to the claim (and in turn the complaint) under the policy. The requested data are therefore unavailable.
	In the last five years the FOS has received the following number of total complaints relating to critical illness insurance:
	
		
			  ( 1) Number 
			 March 2007 680 
			 March 2006 799 
			 March 2005 717 
			 March 2004 582 
			 March 2003 492 
			 (1)To year end

Intergovernmental Conference

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Prime Minister's statement of 22 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 19-24, on the intergovernmental conference, and with reference to the answer of 15 December 2003,  Official Report, column 674W, that three million British jobs are linked to trade with the EU, what estimate he has made of  (a) the volume of goods and services exported to the UK by other EU states and  (b) the returns received by other EU states on investments in the UK in each of the last two years; what proportion of gross domestic product each represented for each EU state; and what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in each state which were linked directly or indirectly to trade with the UK.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 27 November 2007
	Annual UK goods import volumes from the EU27 have grown by 13 per cent. on average over the last two years. Comparable import volumes of services figures are not available. A country specific breakdown is not available for import volumes to the UK. Using current price imports, the two biggest EU27 countries exporting to the UK in 2005 were Germany and France exporting €71.5 billion and €44.2 billion respectively, the country that exported the least to the UK is Estonia (€0.4 billion). The returns received by the EU27 on investments in the UK in 2006 were £89.8 billion. This was 1.4 per cent. of total EU27 (excluding the UK) GDP. This was up from £70.2 billion, 1.1 per cent. of EU27 GDP, in 2005. The estimate of jobs linked to trade with the EU is not available on a country-by-country basis.

Maternal Mortality: Suffolk

Richard Spring: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many maternity deaths there were in Suffolk in each of the last five years.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many maternity deaths there were in Suffolk in each of the last five years. (169569)
	There was only one death where pregnancy or childbirth was the underlying cause(1), in Suffolk county(2), in the years 2002 to 20063 (the latest year available). This was in 2004.
	(1) Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes 000-099 (pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium). Deaths were included where one of these causes was the underlying cause of death.
	(2) Based on boundaries as of 2007.
	(3) Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year.

Migrant Workers: East of England

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of migrant workers in  (a) North West Cambridgeshire,  (b) Cambridgeshire,  (c) the East of England and  (d) the UK in each of the last five years.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what estimate has been made of the number of migrant workers there were in  (a) North West Cambridgeshire,  (b) Cambridgeshire,  (c) the East of England and  (d) the UK in each of the last five years. (169392)
	The Office for National Statistics compiles statistics on employment for local areas from the annual Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	The data for analysing migrant workers also come from the above surveys. The National Statistics method for estimating the number of migrant workers employed in the UK is routinely based on the number of people at a given time who were born abroad, are of working age (16-64 for men, 16-59 for women), and in employment. This question has been answered on this basis. It means, for example, that some people who are UK nationals will be included in the total of "foreign born" and that people who are working but are above state pension age are not included.
	The National Statistics method for estimating the number of migrant workers employed in the UK is based on the number of people at a given time who were born abroad, are of working age (16-64 for men, 16-59 for women), and in employment. This is the basis on which this PQ has been answered.
	When interpreting these figures, it is important to bear in mind that the APS is not designed to cover everyone who is present in the UK. The survey may undercount the numbers of people who were born overseas. The reasons are set out in the table footnote.
	The LFS and APS estimates at this detailed level are only available consistent with population estimates published in February and March 2003 and are not comparable with the estimates published in the Labour Market Statistics First Release on 14 November 2007, which are based on latest population estimates.
	Table 1, attached, shows the numbers of working age in employment who were not born in the UK and were resident in the North West Cambridgeshire constituency, for the twelve month periods ending in February 2003 and February 2004, from the annual LFS, and for the twelve month periods ending in March 2005, March 2006 and December 2006 from the APS (the January to December 2006 APS dataset is the most recent for which information on country of birth is currently available). The table also shows the numbers of non-UK born persons in employment as percentages of all persons of working age in employment, in the area. Tables 2, 3 and 4 show the same information for Cambridgeshire, the East of England Government Office Region, and the UK, respectively.
	As these estimates are from a sample survey they are subject to margins of uncertainty. In particular the estimates for North West Cambridgeshire, and Cambridgeshire will be based on small sample sizes. Changes over time should be treated with particular caution.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of non-UK born persons of working age( 1)  in employment in the North West Cambridgeshire constituency 
			  12 months ending  Employment  l evel( 2)  ( thousand )  Non-UK born persons in employment as percentage of all in employment 
			 February 2003 4 8 
			 February 2004 5 8 
			 March 2005 4 7 
			 March 2006 4 6 
			 December 2006 4 7 
			 (1) Includes males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59 (2) Does not include respondents who did not answer the question on country of birth. Estimates are subject to sampling variability. It should also be noted that the country of birth question in the LFS gives an undercount because:  it excludes certain people who have not been resident in the UK for 6 months. it excludes students in halls who do not have a UK resident parent. it excludes people in most other types of communal establishments (eg hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites, etc). it is grossed to population estimates which exclude migrants staying for less than 12 months. microdata are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates.  Source:  Annual Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Number of non-UK born persons of working age( 1)  in employment in Cambridgeshire 
			  12 months ending  Employment  l evel( 2 ) ( thousand )  Non-UK born persons in employment as percentage of all in employment 
			 February 2003 22 8 
			 February 2004 24 9 
			 March 2005 30 10 
			 March 2006 33 12 
			 December 2006 40 14 
			 (1) Includes males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59 (2) Does not include respondents who did not answer the question on country of birth. Estimates are subject to sampling variability. It should also be noted that the country of birth question in the LFS gives an undercount because it excludes certain people who have not been resident in the UK for 6 months. it excludes students in halls who do not have a UK resident parent. it excludes people in most other types of communal establishments (eg hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites, etc). it is grossed to population estimates which exclude migrants staying for less than 12 months. microdata are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates.  Source:  Annual Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Number of non-UK born persons of working age( 1)  in employment in the East of England 
			  12 months ending  Employment  l evel( 2)  ( thousand )  Non-UK born persons in employment as percentage of all in employment 
			 February 2003 192 7 
			 February 2004 189 7 
			 March 2005 212 8 
			 March 2006 236 9 
			 December 2006 262 10 
			 (1) Includes males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59 (2) Does not include respondents who did not answer the question on country of birth. Estimates are subject to sampling variability. It should also be noted that the country of birth question in the LFS gives an undercount because: it excludes certain people who have not been resident in the UK for 6 months. it excludes students in halls who do not have a UK resident parent. it excludes people in most other types of communal establishments (eg hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites, etc). it is grossed to population estimates which exclude migrants staying for less than 12 months. microdata are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates.  Source:  Annual Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 4: Number of non-UK born persons of working age( 1)  in employment in the UK 
			  12 months ending  Employment  l evel( 2 ) ( thousand )  Non-UK born persons in employment as percentage of all in employment 
			 February 2003 2,335 9 
			 February 2004 2,462 9 
			 March 2005 2,625 10 
			 March 2006 2,788 10 
			 December 2006 3,018 11 
			 (1) Includes males aged 16-64 and females aged 16-59 (2) Does not include respondents who did not answer the question on country of birth. Estimates are subject to sampling variability. It should also be noted that the country of birth question in the LFS gives an undercount because : it excludes certain people who have not been resident in the UK for 6 months. it excludes students in halls who do not have a UK resident parent. it excludes people in most other types of communal establishments (eg hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites, etc). it is grossed to population estimates which exclude migrants staying for less than 12 months. microdata are grossed to population estimates consistent with those published in spring 2003 which are significantly lower than the latest population estimates.  Source:  Annual Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey.

Minimum Wage: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in each London borough were paid less than the minimum wage in the latest period for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in each London borough were paid less than the minimum wage in the latest period for which figures are available. (169241)
	Estimates for the number of jobs paid below the national minimum wage by London borough are not available. However, I attach a table showing the number of jobs earning less than the national minimum wage by Government Office Region.
	A guide to measuring low pay and associated articles can be found on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=5837
	
		
			  Estimates of UK jobs paid below the national minimum wage by Government Office Region in 2007 
			  Government Office Region  Thousands  Percentage 
			 North East 16 2 
			 North West (including Merseyside) 32 1 
			 Yorks and Humber 24 1 
			 East Midlands 25 1 
			 West Midlands 26 1 
			 Eastern 27 1 
			 London 23 1 
			 South East 32 1 
			 South West 25 1 
			 Wales 17 2 
			 Scotland 30 1 
			 Northern Ireland 15 2 
			 All 292 1 
			  Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Office for National Statistics.

National Insurance Contributions: Females

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women have paid national insurance at the reduced rate for married women in each of the last 10 years.

Jane Kennedy: The number of women who paid reduced rate contributions since 1997-98 can be found from the Lifetime Labour Market Data Tabulation Tool available at the Department for Work and Pension's website at the following link.
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/tabtool.asp
	Information for earlier years can be found in table CQY 90 "Number of women who paid any Class 1 National Insurance Contributions at the Reduced Rate during the tax year by type of contribution paid". This table can be found at
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/dsu/contsandqualify/Conts_and_Qual_Years_tables05.xls

Peterborough District Hospital: Childbirth

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many live births there were at Peterborough District Hospital in each month since May 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 3 December 2007:
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your question about how many births there were in Peterborough District Hospital in each month since May 2004. I am replying in her absence. (169527)
	Figures on live births in hospitals are available from birth registration information. The attached table shows the figures requested for 2004 and 2005, for Peterborough District Hospital Maternity Unit. Data for 2006 will be available after the release of Birth Statistics, Series FM1 on 13th December.
	
		
			  Live births in Peterborough District Hospital by month of birth, May 2004 to December 2005 
			   Live births 
			 May 2004 285 
			 June 2004 308 
			 July 2004 307 
			 August 2004 289 
			 September 2004 296 
			 October 2004 325 
			 November 2004 290 
			 December 2004 278 
			 January 2005 325 
			 February 2005 257 
			 March 2005 306 
			 April 2005 271 
			 May 2005 283 
			 June 2005 272 
			 July 2005 304 
			 August 2005 309 
			 September 2005 307 
			 October 2005 282 
			 November 2005 275 
			 December 2005 283

Political Parties: Finance

Hugo Swire: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax is paid by a  (a) recipient of money then donated to a political party and  (b) donor of money to employees which is then spent as a political donation.

Jane Kennedy: As with all financial transactions, the tax treatment depends upon the facts of the particular case.

Population

James Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the population densities are expected to be of  (a) the UK,  (b) England,  (c) Scotland,  (d) Wales and  (e) Northern Ireland on the basis of the change in population forecast by the Government Actuary Department and the Office for National Statistics in 2031; what the respective population densities are currently; and if he will rank the UK in terms of the 2007 population density of each EU member state, giving the population density for each member state.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question regarding what the population densities are expected to be of (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Scotland, (d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland on the basis of the change in population forecast by the Office for National Statistics in 2031; what the respective population densities are currently; and the rank of the UK in terms of the 2007 population density of each EU member state, giving the population density for each member state. (169303)
	The latest comparable information on population densities for EU member states relates to 2005. It is provided in Table A.
	Actual and projected densities for the four countries of the UK are provided in Table B. The latest actual data relates to 2006. Figures are also given for 2005 to provide comparability with Table A.
	
		
			  Table A: Population density of each EU member state( 1) , 2005 
			  persons/sq km 
			   Country  Density 
			 1 Malta 1,274 
			 2 Netherlands 393 
			 3 Belgium 341 
			 4 United Kingdom 248 
			 5 Germany 232 
			 6 Italy 195 
			 7 Luxembourg 177 
			 8 Czech Republic 129 
			 9 Denmark 126 
			 10 Poland 118 
			 11 Portugal 114 
			 12 France 111 
			 13 Slovakia 110 
			 14 Hungary 108 
			 15 Austria 99 
			 16 Slovenia 99 
			 17 Romania 91 
			 18 Cyprus 90 
			 19 Spain 86 
			 20 Greece 84 
			 21 Bulgaria 70 
			 22 Ireland 59 
			 23 Lithuania 52 
			 24 Latvia 36 
			 25 Estonia 30 
			 26 Sweden 20 
			 27 Finland 16 
			 (1) Table includes Bulgaria and Romania although they were not members of the EU in 2005.   Source:  World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision (United Nations). 
		
	
	
		
			  Table B: Actual and projected population density of UK and constituent countries, 2005, 2006 and 2031 
			  persons/sq km 
			   2005  2006  2031 
			 United Kingdom 248 250 293 
			 England 387 390 464 
			 Wales 142 143 159 
			 Scotland 65 66 69 
			 Northern Ireland 127 128 147 
			  Source:  2005 and 2006 estimates and 2006-based projections, ONS.

Population: Immigrants

James Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the Office of National Statistics UK population forecast of 71 million by the year 2031 is attributable to a net inward flow of migrants.

Kitty Ussher: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question regarding what proportion of the Office for National Statistics UK population forecast of 71 million by the year 2031 is attributable to a net inward flow of migrants. (169089)
	The information requested is available at:
	http://www.gad.gov.uk/Demography_Data/Population/2006/methodology/mignote.asp

Professions: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of people in each London borough were classified as  (a) professionals and  (b) skilled workers in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what percentage of people in each London borough are classified as  (a) professionals and  (b) skilled workers. (169243)
	The Office for National Statistics compiles employment statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	The table attached shows the percentage of people resident in each London borough who are employed in professional and skilled trades occupations for the 12-month period ending March 2007.
	Professional and skilled workers are classified using the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2000 for Professional Occupations and Skilled Trades Occupations respectively.
	As these estimates are for a subset of the population in a small geographical area, they are based on small sample sizes, and are therefore subject to large margins of uncertainty.
	
		
			  People employed in  p rofessional and  s killed  t rades  o ccupations as a percentage of all in employment: London boroughs 
			  Percentage 
			   12 months ending March 2007 
			  London borough  Professional  o ccupations  Skilled  t rades  o ccupations 
			 City of London (1)— (1)— 
			 Barking and Dagenham 5 12 
			 Barnet 23 9 
			 Bexley 10 9 
			 Brent 17 10 
			 Bromley 20 7 
			 Camden 21 5 
			 Croydon 11 10 
			 Ealing 15 7 
			 Enfield 14 5 
			 Greenwich 18 6 
			 Hackney 17 9 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 19 4 
			 Haringey 16 11 
			 Harrow 15 9 
			 Havering 9 12 
			 Hillingdon 11 8 
			 Hounslow 15 7 
			 Islington 22 7 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 18 6 
			 Kingston upon Thames 20 7 
			 Lambeth 19 8 
			 Lewisham 13 6 
			 Merton 22 7 
			 Newham 10 12 
			 Redbridge 22 11 
			 Richmond upon Thames 20 5 
			 Southwark 16 6 
			 Sutton 13 9 
			 Tower Hamlets 18 7 
			 Waltham Forest 13 8 
			 Wands worth 24 6 
			 Westminster 22 4 
			 (1) Sample size too small to provide estimates. Estimates are subject to sampling variability.  Source:  Annual Population Survey

Revenue and Customs: Personal Records

David Heathcoat-Amory: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which organisations and agencies have access to personal tax or benefit data held by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); and which organisations and agencies were provided with such information by HMRC in each of the last five years.

Jane Kennedy: HMRC may only disclose information which it holds in accordance with the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005. Most transfers of data take place under statutory gateways which specify circumstances in which HMRC may disclose such information. All disclosures must be compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
	On 20 November the Chancellor announced a review of HMRC's data handling procedures to be conducted by Kieran Poynter, the chair of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Service Industries: Greater London

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of people in each London borough are employed in  (a) service industries and  (b) manufacturing industries.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 3 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question
	asking what percentage of people in each London borough are employed in  (a) service industries and  (b) manufacturing industries. (169242).
	The estimated percentages of employee jobs in service industries and manufacturing industries for each London borough in 2005 are shown in the following table. These estimates are from the annual business inquiry (ABI). They do not include self-employment jobs. As with any sample survey, estimates from the ABI are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	Alternative estimates are available in terms of employed residents, from the annual population survey, a survey of households. However the breakdown by industry suffers from reporting error caused by individuals giving inaccurate information about the organisations for which they work.
	
		
			  Percentage of employee jobs in service and manufacturing industries in London boroughs, 2005 
			   Services  Manufacturing 
			 Barking and Dagenham 77 18 
			 Barnet 93 3 
			 Bexley 85 9 
			 Brent 84 11 
			 Bromley 91 4 
			 Camden 93 4 
			 City of London 99 1 
			 Croydon 91 4 
			 Ealing 87 9 
			 Enfield 88 7 
			 Greenwich 90 6 
			 Hackney 90 7 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 93 6 
			 Haringey 89 7 
			 Harrow 87 7 
			 Havering 87 6 
			 Hillingdon 91 4 
			 Hounslow 92 4 
			 Islington 92 6 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 95 4 
			 Kingston-upon-Thames 92 5 
			 Lambeth 94 3 
			 Lewisham 92 4 
			 Merton 85 8 
			 Newham 88 7 
			 Redbridge 90 4 
			 Richmond-upon-Thames 92 5 
			 Southwark 89 7 
			 Sutton 86 6 
			 Tower Hamlets 90 7 
			 Waltham Forest 88 8 
			 Wandsworth 92 5 
			 Westminster, City of 96 3 
			 All London boroughs 92 5 
			  Source:  Annual Business Inquiry

Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the health in pregnancy grant will be payable in respect of A8 nationals living outside the UK.

Jane Kennedy: The Government are introducing from April 2009 a one-off payment to expectant mothers, known as the Health in Pregnancy Grant, to help them during the important last weeks of pregnancy. Only women ordinarily resident in the UK will be able to claim the payment.

State Retirement Pensions

Chris Grayling: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government plan to ring-fence the additional revenue his Department will receive as a consequence of bringing forward the introduction of an Upper Accruals Point for the State Second Pension for future pensions spending; and if he will make a statement.

Kitty Ussher: The announcement made in the 2007 pre-Budget report to bring forward the introduction of Upper Accruals Point for the State Second Pension (S2P) will lead to a reduction in the rebates paid in respect of employees earning above the 2007-08 value of the Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) who are contracted out of S2P. Those employees would have otherwise seen anomalous gains in their contracted out rebates and S2P benefits following the announcement at Budget 2007 to align the UEL for national insurance contributions with the higher rate threshold for income tax from 2009-10.
	The reductions in the rebates result in an increase in national insurance contributions paid into the National Insurance Fund. The National Insurance Fund (NIF) is maintained under the control and management of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. It is run on a "pay-as-you-go" basis; current income, mainly from national insurance contributions, pays for current expenditure mostly on contributory benefits. The uses to which the NIF can be put are clearly specified in legislation, with the majority spent on state pensions.

Taxation: Domicil

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many British citizens with the right of abode in the UK but domiciled overseas moved their tax affairs on shore and became UK residents for tax purposes in each year since 2000.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is not available.

Unclaimed Savings and Insurance Policies

Harry Cohen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to require insurance companies and banks to establish effective arrangements for the tracing of unclaimed savings and insurance policies.

Kitty Ussher: The Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 7 November. As part of these proposals, the Government are clear that account holders retain the ongoing right to claim their money. Additionally, the Government believe that effective reuniting efforts should precede the introduction of any scheme. As such, the Government welcome the joint co-operation of the British Bankers' Association, Building Societies Association and National Savings and Investments in developing a one-stop shop for customers seeking to trace lost accounts across all three sectors. The BBA announcement of 8 November set out the details of these initiatives, including the launch of the new facility in January 2008. The Government also welcome the commitment of individual banks and building societies to undertake proactive search activity throughout 2008.
	In terms of insurance policies, insurers attempt to locate policyholders individually. Missing individuals' identities are also posted on the Unclaimed Assets Register so that they can be traced. Where it has not been possible to trace the holder, a policy remains live for an individual's expected lifetime.

Video Games: Research

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 926W, on video games: research, which companies received funding through research and development units allocated by HM Revenue and Customs; and how much each company received.

Angela Eagle: The names of companies making research and development tax relief claims and the amount of relief they receive are confidential. There is a well established principle that such information may not be disclosed and I am therefore unable to provide the information requested.

Welfare Tax Credits: EC Nationals

James Clappison: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many EU A8 nationals registered on the worker registration scheme and in receipt of  (a) working tax credit and  (b) child tax credit (i) gave notice of a change of circumstances and (ii) gave notice of their departure from the UK within one year of being granted these credits in each year since the inception of the worker registration scheme;
	(2)  how many EU A8 nationals have received  (a) working tax credit and  (b) child tax credit in each year since the inception of the worker registration scheme; and what (i) the total expenditure on these credits for EU A8 nationals and (ii) the average amount of each credit received by successful EU A8 applicants was;
	(3)  how many EU A8 nationals registered on the worker registration scheme who have been granted  (a) working tax credit and  (b) child tax credit did not renew their application for these credits at the end of their first year of receipt of them in each year since the inception of the worker registration scheme.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The information requested is not available.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan: Politics and Government

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes the UK has proposed to international support for political reform in Afghanistan, as referred to in the Prime Minister's Mansion House speech of 12 November.

David Miliband: Our embassy in Kabul will be building on its work to support Afghan central Government institutions by helping to develop local government administration. The newly-established Independent Directorate of Local Governance in the Office of the President has an ambitious agenda to rationalise structures and authorities of local governance and to support the roll-out of key reforms at the sub-national level.

Afghanistan: Politics and Government

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the UK is proposing changes to the mandate of the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan.

David Miliband: The contract of the current Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Tom Koenigs, runs until February 2008. He has announced his intention to step down. Any change to the mandate of his successor is a decision for the UN Secretary-General. We and other partners are regularly in discussion with the UN about the role played in Afghanistan by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative.

Bosnia: Nuclear Medicine Department Storage

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the theft of radiation generators from a nuclear medicine department storage in Banja Luka in the Entity of Republica Srpska in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

David Miliband: The police in the Republika Srpska have made it clear that there has been no theft of radiation generators in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Instead there has been a theft of 60 lead containers from the Banja Luka Institute for Nuclear Medicine. The police in the Republika Srpska have stated that this theft poses no danger to the public. The police believe that the lead was stolen for resale. The police in BiH, and Interpol, are investigating the theft.

Bosnia: Peacekeeping Operations

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are in place to allow EUFOR to draw on the shared EU/NATO Operational Reserve Force in the event of deterioration of the security situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Jim Murphy: The EU forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina Operation Plan agreed by EU member states makes provision for pre-identified contributing nations to maintain reserve units in their home locations in readiness for rapid deployment in the event of deterioration of the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the Operational Reserve Force is also designated to reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Kosovo Force (KFOR), close co-ordination is maintained at all times between the EU, NATO and contributing nations.

Bosnia: Peacekeeping Operations

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether the current presence of 2,500 EU troops in Bosnia-Herzegovina is sufficient to deal with any threats to the country's stability in the period prior to and after the end of the Kosovo final status talks.

Jim Murphy: The military advice is clear that the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina means current EU Forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina troop levels are sufficient. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has an operational reserve force consisting of three battalions for the Balkan theatre, should military commanders judge that reinforcements are necessary.

Chad: Frontiers

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the Government have put forward for strengthening borders between Chad, the Central African Republic and Sudan.

Meg Munn: In response to the continuing security and humanitarian crisis in Chad, in September the UK co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution 1778, which authorises the deployment of an EU force (EUFOR) and a UN multidimensional mission (MINURCAT) to Chad. The force aims to contribute to the stabilisation of the regions in eastern Chad and north eastern Central African Republic which border Sudan. Improved security will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and help create the conditions necessary for voluntary, secure and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons. EUFOR and MINURCAT support the larger African Union/UN mission to Darfur, which is mandated to protect civilians and is in the process of being deployed.
	Long-term peace and security in the region needs to be underpinned by a lasting political solution. The UK supports the agreement reached between President Deby and Chadian rebel groups on 25 October in Sirte, Libya and urges all parties to implement the ceasefire. The EU is also sponsoring a process of dialogue between President Deby and the political opposition forces in Chad, which should contribute to creating a more stable political environment in which to promote peace. The UK takes every opportunity to call on the governments of Chad and Sudan to fulfil their obligations under the Tripoli agreement, which calls for a ceasefire between Chad and Sudan, and an end to support for armed movements, which destabilise the region.

Chad: Peacekeeping Operations

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what  (a) equipment and  (b) personnel non-EU countries have pledged to the EU peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic;
	(2)  what representations the Government have  (a) made and  (b) received on numbers of helicopters available for the EU peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of whether the EU peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic will be deployed by December; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The Government strongly support the EU peacekeeping mission and are actively engaged in finding an effective and lasting solution to the wider problems faced in the Chad/Darfur region. The 'force generation' process for the EU military force (EUFOR) is currently under way. We have made clear to the EU and to partners bilaterally that, due to other operational commitments, the UK contribution to the force will not include helicopters. A number of non-EU member states have shown strong interest in participation, but there have been no formal offers of assistance to date. Progressive deployment will begin once force generation and other necessary preparations are complete—EUFOR is currently expected to reach its initial operating capacity in early 2008.

Chad: Peacekeeping Operations

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions the Government have had with their European counterparts on the deployment of the EU peacekeeping mission to Chad and the Central African Republic; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: On 15 October my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary attended the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) which agreed the joint action on the deployment of the EU military operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR) in support of a multidimensional UN presence. The UK strongly endorsed this proposed deployment. At the GAERC of 19 November, my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary and my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe (Mr. Jim Murphy) continued discussions with their counterparts on the planning and deployment of EUFOR.
	The UK has continued to give strong support in the EU to ongoing planning and preparation for EUFOR, which will play a significant role in the international community's efforts to bring relief and stability to the region.

China: Capital Punishment

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Chinese Government on its use of the death penalty.

Meg Munn: We regularly raise the death penalty with the Chinese government. We welcome the return of authority to the Supreme People's Court to review all death penalty sentences from 1 January 2008. We continue to urge China to adopt transparency on death penalty statistics and to reduce the scope of the death penalty in order to comply with Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). During his visit to China in August my noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, urged China to ratify the ICCPR as soon as possible. The Director of Public Prosecutions also raised ICCPR and China's criminal justice system when he visited Beijing in September. The death penalty was discussed at the most recent round of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, held in Beijing on 17 October 2007, and also at the last round of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue, held in London on 5 February 2007.

China: Human Rights

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the authorities of the People's Republic of China on the  (a) continued detention and  (b) nationality of Yoo Sang-joon.

Meg Munn: We are aware that Yoo Sang-joon is facing a criminal trial in Inner Mongolia for actions which appear to have been motivated by humanitarian concerns. We have not raised this case with the Chinese authorities. Mr. Yoo is a naturalised South Korean, whose nationality is recognised by the Chinese. He has received South Korean consular visits and we understand a South Korean consul will attend his trial, scheduled for 26 November. We will continue to monitor this case.

CIC Material

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Answer of 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 214W, on CIC material, for what reason his Department wished to protect the process used by John Williams; and what the public interest was in releasing the information.

Kim Howells: It is important, as a matter of principle that the space in which all officials draft is protected. However, on further consideration we concluded that this principle would not be undermined in this case if the information in the redaction were released.

Cyprus

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made towards demining in Cyprus by  (a) the Republic of Cyprus,  (b) Turkey and  (c) Turkish Cypriots; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The latest report of the UN Secretary-General in June 2006 indicated that Nicosia had been declared landmine-free. The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), on behalf of the Mine Action Centre, has been continuing discussions to identify additional mined areas and to agree on terms for their clearance. From the inception of the programme in October 2004, over 2.2 million square metres of land have been released, with 25 minefields cleared and 2,816 mines destroyed (1,320 anti-personnel and 1,496 anti-tank). 323,153 square metres of land have been released through survey activities since the last UNFICYP report. In December 2006, the EU confirmed, that an additional €4 million would be made available for Mine Action, bringing the total amount of EU funding to €9 million.

Cyprus

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to  (a) Turkey and  (b) Turkish Cypriots on the return of Famagusta/Varosha; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: Over the years, Famagusta and the port of Famagusta have been the subject of a series of proposals for confidence building measures. A 2004 proposal from the Government of Cyprus linked preferential Turkish Cypriot trade with the EU through the port of Famagusta with the return of the closed city of Varosha. Although it has not been possible to agree a confidence building measure involving Varosha, we continue to encourage the parties to think creatively about all such symbolic aspects of the Cyprus problem. If it does not prove possible to address Varosha in isolation, it will undoubtedly have to be addressed as part of a comprehensive settlement.
	Ministers and officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office hold discussions with their Turkish counterparts and Turkish Cypriot community leaders on a range of issues relating to the current situation in Cyprus, including the issues relating to the return of Famagusta/Varosha. Ultimately, we believe that the ongoing division of the island, and the issues attached to it, can only be resolved through a comprehensive settlement brokered by the UN. We continue to urge both sides to show the political will and flexibility to bridge the gap between words and deeds, and to engage constructively with the UN's efforts to broker a comprehensive and durable settlement.

Cyprus

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the UK and Turkey on existing processes aimed at resolving the current situation in Cyprus; and whether he has received representations from other EU member states on the matter.

Jim Murphy: The UK/Turkey Strategic Partnership (formerly UK/ Turkey Action Plan) is a formalised dialogue that has existed between the UK and Turkey since 2004.
	The UK/Turkey Agreement reflects our longstanding commitment to helping secure a lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem. We continue to support wholeheartedly the 8 July 2006 agreement between the two leaders. In support, the UK/Turkey Strategic Partnership includes a section reiterating longstanding commitments to bring the Turkish Cypriot community closer to Europe, which we believe will facilitate any future Cypriot settlement agreement by reducing economic disparities and putting market forces at the service of a settlement.
	Both Greece and the Republic of Cyprus have made representations over the Agreement. Dialogue with both the Republic of Cyprus and Greece show that, while we share the same strategic objective of reunifying Cyprus, there are honestly held differences of opinion on how to achieve this. We continue to discuss all such differences of opinion, with the ultimate objective of achieving a Cyprus settlement acceptable to all Cypriots. The UK shares many vital interests with both countries, and its bilateral relations with both countries remain, as ever, very important.

Cyprus

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the factors affecting the use of telecommunications across the green line in Cyprus.

Jim Murphy: It is clear that the separate telecommunications systems that exist on either side of the green line inhibit cost-effective communication between north and south. The Government would welcome any initiatives that would enhance communication between the two communities.

Cyprus

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of  (a) the scale of cross-green line trade and  (b) obstacles to growth of cross-green line trade in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The European Commission's 2007 report on the green line regulation (GLR), available at:
	http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/com/2007/com2007_0553en01.pdf
	sets out in detail the scale of green line trade, and existing obstacles. In the period May 2006 to April 2007 the value of goods traded across the green line was €3,380,805, compared to a figure of €1,734,770 in the previous reporting period.
	Some of the obstacles cited in the report include the limited type and value of goods permitted under the GLR and political pressure to prevent the development of trade. We would support measures to expand the GLR, thereby putting market forces at the service of a comprehensive settlement.

Dalits: Human Rights

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the European Union to raise the human rights situation of Dalits during the next round of the ad hoc EU-India human rights dialogue; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: holding answer 29 November 2007
	We continue to play an active role in the regular EU-India human rights dialogue.
	Under the UK presidency of the EU in 2005, the EU held a first human rights dialogue with India. The discussions covered a range of issues relating to minorities, including the Dalits, and minority rights. We continued discussions in last year's human rights dialogue. Discussions among EU partners are currently under way on what human rights issues should feature on the agenda for the next human rights dialogue, although a date for the dialogue has not yet been agreed. The UK will continue to work with the EU on a range of issues relating to minorities and their rights, including the Dalits.

Departmental Computers

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his Department's  (a) computers and  (b) laptops have been stolen in 2007; and what the value of those items was.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reviews have been undertaken of his Department's rules on data protection in the last two years; if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the last review of his Department's compliance with data protection laws; and if  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's agencies will undertake a review of their compliance with data protection laws.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions in  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies confidential data have been downloaded on to compact discs (i) without and (ii) with encryption in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; how many of those discs have been posted without using recorded or registered delivery; what procedures his Department has in place for the (A) transport, (B) exchange and (C) delivery of confidential or sensitive data; what records are kept of information held by his Department being sent outside the Department; what changes have been made to his Department's rules and procedures on data protection in the last two years; on how many occasions his Department's procedures and rules on data protection have been breached in the last five years; what those breaches were; what procedures his Department has in place on downloading confidential data on to computer discs before its transfer; what technical protections there are in his Department's computer systems to prevent access to information held on those systems which is not in accordance with departmental procedures; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each of his Department's rules and procedures on the protection of confidential data on individuals, businesses and other organisations.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees of each grade in his Department  (a) have access to confidential or sensitive data and  (b) are authorised to download such data to disk; how many of his Department's employees have undergone data protection training in the last 12 months; what the average length of time is that each employee of (i) his Department and (ii) his Department's agencies has spent on data protection training; how many investigations of employees of his Department for improperly accessing confidential information have taken place in the last 12 months; how many such investigations resulted in cases of disciplinary action; and what the circumstances of each of those cases were.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what procedures are in place in his Department to ensure that personal information relating to members of the public is  (a) stored and  (b) transported securely.

Meg Munn: I refer my right hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the Information Commissioner was contacted by his Department to report breaches of data protection security in each of the last five years.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Data Protection

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many breaches of data protection security there were in his Department or his Department's Agencies in each of the last five years; and if he will provide details of each breach.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental ICT

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many attempted hacking or suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches were committed against his Department's computer systems in each of the last three years for which information is available; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental ICT

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department's information technology and data management systems are BS7799 compliant.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what land surplus to his Department's requirements it is  (a) selling,  (b) leasing and  (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is.

Meg Munn: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in the process of selling 0.9 acres of land in Tallinn, Estonia. We keep the estate under constant review and are preparing to sell 1.7 acres of land in Yaounde, Cameroon and 1.8 acres of land in Skopje, Macedonia. We are not currently offering any land to lease, and have no plans to do so.

Diplomatic Services: Children

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much was spent on  (a) travel,  (b) school fees and  (c) other costs in respect of the education in the UK of children of his Department's staff in overseas posts in each of the last five years, broken down by school; what the criteria are for eligibility for this facility; how many (i) children and (ii) members of staff it applied to in each such year; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: It is a condition of their employment that members of the diplomatic service must be prepared to serve anywhere in the world at any time during their career, sometimes at very short notice. Those with children also have a legal obligation as parents to ensure that their children receive a full-time education from the age of five years. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) helps staff meet these potentially conflicting obligations by providing financial support for their children's education in the UK (or overseas, where free state schooling in English is not available locally).
	With staff and families having to move at regular intervals, sometimes at times which may disrupt schooling for their children, and education facilities at posts overseas varying, continuity of education can prove problematic particularly during the important exam years. The FCO addresses this problem by providing a continuity of education allowance to enable children to board at schools in the UK, while their parents remain subject to the world-wide mobility obligation.
	The amounts we have spent each year on financial support for the costs of private education in the UK and travel for visits by children to their parents during school holidays are set out in the following table. We have also listed the number of staff in receipt of the allowance (where known) and the number of children who have benefited.
	Children covered by the allowance currently attend 180 different schools in the UK. We are not able to break the figures down by individual school without incurring disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  ( 1) Continuity of education allowance  (£ million)  Travel by children at boarding schools (£)  Number of children covered  Number of staff 
			 2002-03 9.9 728,587 525 n/a 
			 2003-04 10.3 846,082 545 n/a 
			 2004-05 10.9 768,592 535 n/a 
			 2005-06 11.8 789,992 540 342 
			 2006-07 13.0 833,652 540 338 
			 (1)This figure includes tax and national insurance contributions

Entry Clearances: Foreign Workers

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to review the efficacy of the outsourcing of visa applications to commercial organisations on a regular basis over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The contract to outsource the visa application process to Commercial Partners, which was signed on 27 February 2007, is regularly reviewed at various levels of detail.
	Our Commercial Partners—Computer Sciences Corporation and VFS Global are reviewed on a monthly basis against a core set of service levels which monitor performance against key service delivery criteria. There is an annual review of Commercial Partner performance and a governance structure which monitors performance. Issues and risks are escalated at a local, country, regional and central level to a number of formal review mechanisms. There are also formal review bodies attended by senior representatives from the Commercial Partner organisations and UKvisas. The Project Executive Committee meets on a monthly basis and focuses on monitoring key performance indicators. The Partnership Board meets on a quarterly basis and is responsible for taking key strategic decisions and managing the business relationship.

EU Reform: Treaties

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has  (a) made and  (b) received on the normal period of office of the President of the European Council envisaged in the draft EU Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The Government support a full-time President of the European Council to replace the current system where the President of the European Council changes every six months. The President of the European Council will take office for a term of two and a half years, renewable once. He or she will be chosen by heads of state and government and will be accountable to them. Having a full-time chair of the European Council will bring greater coherence and consistency to the EU's action, and will give member states greater capacity to give direction and momentum to the EU's agenda.

EU Reform: Treaties

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has  (a) made and  (b) received on the proposed responsibilities, duties and powers of the President of the European Council envisaged in the draft EU Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The Government support a full-time President of the European Council to replace the current system where the President of the European Council changes every six months. Having a full-time chair of the European Council will bring greater coherence and consistency to the EU's actions; and will give member states greater capacity to give direction and momentum to the EU's agenda.

EU Reform: Treaties

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has  (a) made and  (b) received on the procedure for nomination of the President of the European Council envisaged in the draft EU Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The Government support a full-time President of the European Council, who will replace the current President of the European Council, who changes every six months. He or she will be chosen by Heads of State and Government by qualified majority, and will be accountable to them. Having a full-time chair of the European Council will bring greater coherence and consistency to the EU's actions; and will give member states greater capacity to give direction and momentum to the EU's agenda.

Group of Eight: HIV Infection

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will hold discussions with his counterpart in Japan to ensure that HIV/AIDS is included on the Japanese agenda for the forthcoming G8 Summit.

Meg Munn: The agenda for the G8 is the prerogative of the presidency and Japan has already indicated that development, including health, will be one of their priorities for next year's summit. In a recent telephone call, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Japanese Foreign Minister discussed the G8 agenda. The UK will continue to work closely with Japan on the G8 agenda in the run up to the Toyako summit in 2008.

Haider Samad

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what representations he has received on the case of Haider Samad; and if he will make a statement.
	(2)  what discussions officials in his Department have had with officials in the Ministry of Defence on the case of Haider Samad.

Meg Munn: The hon. Member has received a briefing on this issue from a Foreign and Commonwealth Office official.

Iran: Nuclear Weapons

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the  (a) United Nations and  (b) United States in support of a diplomatic resolution of tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Meg Munn: The Government have played a leading role in securing three United Nations Security Council Resolutions which make clear that the international community is seeking a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discusses this issue regularly with the US Secretary of State, and the US is also part of the E3+3 group of countries that meets regularly to co-ordinate our approach. We, the US and the other members of the E3+3 are fully committed to a diplomatic resolution to this matter.

Iran: Nuclear Weapons

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent diplomatic steps the Government have taken to resolve the question of Iran's nuclear programme.

Kim Howells: The UK continues to play a leading role in the international effort to address strong concerns about the Iranian nuclear programme. When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Foreign Ministers of the other E3+3 countries (France, Germany, US, Russia, China) and Javier Solana in New York on 28 September they agreed that they would seek a vote on a UN Security Council sanctions resolution, unless both Javier Solana and Mohammad El Baradei reported "positive outcomes" from their contacts with the Iranians in November. Dr. El Baradei's report on 15 November noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency's visibility of Iran's nuclear programme was 'diminishing'—this cannot be considered a positive report. Javier Solana also reported negatively—he said that his meeting with Saeed Jalili was 'disappointing'. E3+3 Political Directors met in Paris on 1 December. They agreed to work up a new UN Security Council sanctions resolution. Beyond the UN process, my right hon. Friend also discussed the matter with EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg on 15 October and they agreed to examine further measures the EU could take. Consideration of this issue continues.

Iraq Neighbours Conference

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the working groups on  (a) energy,  (b) security and  (c) refugees have met since their establishment under the Iraq Neighbours Conference; and what progress has been achieved by each.

David Miliband: Each of the working groups has met once.
	The Energy Working Group met in Istanbul on 28-29 June and agreed to exchanges of information on energy issues and to provide technical assistance and support for the oil, gas and electricity sectors.
	The Refugee and Displaced Persons Working Group met in Amman on 26 July and agreed to support the efforts of the Government of Iraq to improve the humanitarian and security situation to accelerate the return of displaced Iraqis. There was also discussion of health care provisions in the host countries.
	The Security Working Group met in Damascus on 8-9 August and agreed to continue efforts to combat terrorist groups and those supporting them, in particular by cutting off financing and activating existing bilateral security agreements.
	We hope that the ministerial meeting held in Istanbul on 2-3 November, together with the decision to establish a permanent support mechanism for the Neighbours process, will add further impetus to the process and allow the working groups to build on their welcome initial progress.

Japan: Whales

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Japan about  (a) the hunting of endangered whales and  (b) whaling claimed to be scientific; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The Government are deeply concerned at the latest Japanese proposals which include plans to take 50 of the endangered species of Humpback whales. In response, we are considering a high level diplomatic protest to the Japanese Government, following consultation with like-minded anti-whaling countries. In the meantime, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has conveyed the UK's concerns at an official level in both London and Tokyo.

Kosovo

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on the stability of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia of a declaration of Kosovan independence.

Jim Murphy: Macedonia's political stability is underpinned by the Ohrid Framework Agreement which provides for far-reaching and comprehensive rights and safeguards for the country's minority communities.
	Macedonia is making good progress towards eventual EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation membership. We are confident this will be maintained.
	The Government of Macedonia has consistently made clear its view that its interests—and those of the region as a whole—are best served by swift resolution of the Kosovo status issue.

Kosovo

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether any settlement on the final status of Kosovo will secure the backing of the UN Security Council.

Jim Murphy: The UN Secretary-General and the Contact Group as a whole agree that the status quo in Kosovo is unsustainable and that a solution has to be found without further delay. In keeping with this spirit, we hope all members of the UN Security Council will engage constructively in international efforts to bring the process through to successful completion.

Kosovo: Peace Negotiations

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the Prime Minister of Serbia's comments on the Dayton peace agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1244 on Kosovo.

David Miliband: We do not agree with Prime Minister Kostunica's recent statements on Bosnia and Herzegovina which called on the High Representative to withdraw his recent measures or resign, drew parallels with the situation in Kosovo and suggested efforts were being made to undermine the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia and Security Council Resolution 1244 in Kosovo. We have made our concerns clear to the Serb Government.
	We hope Serbia will work to help ease recent tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UK fully supports High Representative Lajcak, whose authority derives from Dayton. We call on all parties to comply with the High Representative's decisions as they are obliged to do under the Dayton Accords.

Middle East: Peace Negotiations

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2007,  Official Report, column 392W, on Middle East: peace negotiations, what rank or grade is held by the seconded civil servants to Mr. Blair's office; what their combined salary and expenses costs have been; from what budget these costs are being drawn; what financial and logistical contributions have been made by  (a) the United States of America,  (b) Russia and  (c) the European Union to the United Nations Development Programme Trust Fund to support the work of Mr. Blair and his office; and if he will make a statement. [Official Report, 3 July 2008, Vol. 478, c. 1056W.]

David Miliband: holding answer 3 December 2007
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has seconded: one executive officer equivalent; one higher executive officer equivalent; and one senior civil servant equivalent to work in the right hon. Tony Blair's office. The FCO is funding their salaries. It would not be appropriate to give salary details as to do so could reveal individuals' salaries.
	We do not have figures available for each member of the quartet's (US, EU, UN and Russia) contribution to the work of the right hon. Tony Blair as quartet representative.
	We strongly support the work of the right hon. Tony Blair. He is exceptionally well placed to take on this role. His work will be key in delivering a future Palestinian state with strong institutions and a robust economy.

National Technical Assistance Centre: Children

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  how many cases referred to the National Technical Assistance Centre since its inception have been child protection inquiries, broken down by the referring police force;
	(2)  pursuant to the Answer of 12 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 759-61W, on National Technical Assistance Centre, how many cases referred to the National Technical Assistance Centre, since its inception, have related to child protection.

David Miliband: holding answer 27 November 2007
	 The National Technical Assistance Centre was formally transferred from the Home Office to Government Communications Headquarters in April 2006. It is the long-standing policy of the Government not to comment on intelligence matters, including the work of the Intelligence Agencies.

Northern Cyprus: Economic Situation

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to ensure that economic development in the north of Cyprus proceeds with a view to integration and convergence with the economy in the south; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The UK fully supports the efforts to place market forces at the service of a settlement. We continue to support the efforts of the Commission and successive presidencies to promote the economic integration of the Turkish Cypriot community with the Greek Cypriot community and the rest of the EU. We are disappointed by the lack of progress in this area.

Northern Cyprus: Electrification

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the account taken by Turkish Cypriots of the EC environmental assessment on the Karpas electrification project; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him today (UIN 163793).

Northern Cyprus: Industrial Development

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Turkish Cypriots on the development of the Karpas region with particular reference to  (a) the electrification project and  (b) the hotel and tourism building programme; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The UK has supported the European Commission's recommendations regarding the protection of the Karpas region, including through the establishment of a properly regulated conservation area. We have urged the Turkish Cypriot leadership to take steps to ensure that the fragile environment of the Karpas is protected from uncontrolled development.

Northern Cyprus: Islam

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of the dismissal in 2006 of imans in northern Cyprus and their replacement with imans from Turkey; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The Government have not made any assessment. We understand that the Turkish Cypriot decision to appoint imams from Turkey was taken in order to cover shortfalls in northern Cyprus.

Northern Cyprus: Smuggling

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the risk of smuggling  (a) people and  (b) narcotics from Syria to Northern Cyprus and into the EU through the green line, with particular reference to the new ferry service from Syria to Famagusta; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: In the Green Line Regulation report, October 2007, the EU Commission reported that there are large numbers of illegal immigrants who enter into the EU via the Green Line every year.
	The UK is concerned about the risk of people and narcotics smuggling to north Cyprus, and through the Green Line. We have sought to build the capacity of the Turkish Cypriot community to counter these threats to Cyprus and the EU, by whatever route they arrive.

Nuclear Disarmament

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards the achievement of the 13 practical steps towards nuclear disarmament agreed at the NPT Review Conference in 2000; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The UK is fulfilling all its obligations under the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT), including those on disarmament under article VI of the treaty. We continue to support the relevant disarmament measures contained in the Final Document from the NPT Review Conference in 2000, including the 13 practical steps towards disarmament, and we have a good record on meeting the priorities they set out. Not all the 13 steps are relevant to the UK, such as those relating to bilateral measures between the US and Russia. However, we have made progress on the majority of those that are. The 2006 White Paper on the future of the UK nuclear deterrent committed us to a further 20 per cent. reduction in our stockpile of operationally available warheads and my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary (Margaret Beckett) announced on 25 June, at the Carnegie Institute, further work on the development of expertise in methods and techniques to verify the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons. We continue to call for the entry into force of the comprehensive test ban treaty as soon as possible and, pending its entry into force, maintain a moratorium on nuclear weapons test explosions and any other nuclear explosions. The UK is also pressing for the immediate commencement of negotiations on a fissile material cut-off treaty, without pre-conditions, at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

Nuclear Disarmament

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason the UK voted against the resolution on reducing nuclear danger in the United Nations First Committee on Disarmament on 17 October 2003.

Meg Munn: The resolution on "Reducing Nuclear Danger" at the United Nations First Committee on Disarmament on 17 October 2007 contains a number of elements that the United Kingdom does not support. These include assertions on the alert status of nuclear weapons that we do not accept. Our reasoning is explained in an 'Explanation of Vote' (EoV) on the resolution at the same Committee on "Nuclear De-Alerting". A copy of the EoV will be placed in the Library of the House.

Nuclear Disarmament

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government supports proposals to de-alert nuclear weapons world-wide.

Kim Howells: The United Kingdom has already taken steps to reduce the alert status of our nuclear deterrent. We also note the statements made by nuclear weapon states regarding the de-targeting and de-alerting of their nuclear forces. As we made clear in our Explanation of Vote on the Resolution on "nuclear de-alerting" in the United Nations First Committee on Disarmament on 17 October 2007, we do not accept that the world is at risk due to large numbers of nuclear weapons at dangerously high levels of alert.

Nuclear Weapons

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government plan to take in the next six months to encourage the governments of Russia and the USA to remove their nuclear missiles from hair-trigger-alert.

Jim Murphy: There is no internationally agreed definition of the term 'hair-trigger-alert', and it is not a term the UK uses. The Permanent Representative of the United States to the Conference on Disarmament recently stated that:
	"US nuclear forces are not and have never been on 'hair-trigger-alert'".
	We have no indication that Russia considers any of its nuclear forces to be on 'hair-trigger-alert'.

Pakistan: Blasphemy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Pakistan on the blasphemy trial of Qamar David in Karachi.

Kim Howells: We are aware of the case of Qamar David, but we do not raise every individual blasphemy case and we have not made any representations on this case to the Government of Pakistan. However, we regularly raise our concerns about blasphemy legislation and its effects on minority groups with the Government of Pakistan, both bilaterally and with our EU partners, and will continue to do so.

Peacekeeping Operations: Private Sector

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what mechanisms his Department has in place to assess the costs and benefits of the services provided to the Government by private military security companies; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: holding answer 3 December 2007
	Costs and benefits of Private Military and Security Company (PMSC) services, as with all contractor services, are assessed during the tendering process of a contract, during the contract's lifetime and on completion of that contract.
	The Government ensure that all contracts are subject to a rigorous selection process so that we obtain best value for money. Any company engaged by the Government needs to pass through a stringent and transparent procurement process in line with public procurement guidelines and best practice.
	All PMSC contracts are subject to ongoing performance monitoring and contract management by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other Government Departments concerned, both in country on-the-ground and from the UK, in respect of all aspects of the delivery and operation of these contracts. FCO monitors performance by a mixture of key performance indicators, regular visits by overseas security advisors to FCO posts who review and report on the PMSCs' performance, regular review meetings in London with PMSCs, and monitoring expenditure against a fully profiled budget.
	In addition, the FCO reviews requirements on completion of the contract and prior to re-tendering in order to highlight any improvements that could be made as a result of experience or lessons learned.

Somalia: Armed Conflict

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the UK has put forward for protecting civilians caught in the fighting between insurgents and the allied Ethiopian and government troops in Somalia.

Meg Munn: The Government attach great importance to the protection of civilians. In Somalia, the current insurgency attacks tend to be indiscriminate and therefore unfortunately do sometimes involve civilian casualties. We urge the Transitional Federal government of Somalia and the government of Ethiopia to ensure their response to counter this threat is always proportionate and seeks to minimise civilian casualties.
	The UK strategy for handling Somalia in the long-term aims to bring peace and stability to the country. This includes supporting the transitional political process, supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia and contributing to the UN Rule of Law programme, which provides training for a civilian police force.

Somalia: Politics and Government

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment the Government have made of the potential effects on the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia of insurgency activity in the country.

Meg Munn: The Government assess that insurgent attacks in Somalia continue to damage the hopes and prospects of ordinary Somalis. Along with our international partners, we are committed to assisting the Transitional Federal Government and institutions to rebuild Somalia through the process envisaged in the Transitional Federal Charter. We hope that the insurgents will see that an inclusive political process is the only way that a successful transition can be delivered and cease to use violence in pursuit of their aims.

Somalia: Politics and Government

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking along with their EU partners to assist the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to tackle insurgent activity.

Meg Munn: The Government are supporting the efforts of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to tackle the insurgency. The UK, with our EU partners, provides a range of security assistance programmes to the TFG to give it a greater capacity to tackle insurgency in the long term.
	This includes support for the African Union Mission to Somalia deployment. The UK and EU partners have provided more than €30 million to support the mission. The UK and EU partners also support the UN Rule of Law programme that trains Somalian civilian police officers.

Sudan: Armed Conflict

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the answer to the right hon. Member for Richmond of 21 June 2007,  Official Report, column 2214W, on Sudan: armed conflict, what progress has been made in considering the measures to improve air monitoring in Darfur; and what further steps the Government are taking with its international partners on this matter.

Meg Munn: We are working with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the African Union (AU), the government of Sudan and international partners for the prompt deployment of an effective UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) force to improve stability and security in Darfur. This has been the priority since UN Security Council Resolution 1769 was passed on 31 July mandating the UNAMID force. Among other activities, we hope that UNAMID will improve monitoring of military activity in the region.
	We welcome the recent cessation of hostilities that the government of Sudan announced at the start of peace talks on 27 October. We are pressing all parties to sign up to a cessation of hostilities with immediate effect and to engage on the peace process.

Sudan: Blasphemy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sudan following the arrest of the British primary school teacher Gillian Gibbons in Sudan on 26 November.

Meg Munn: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary summoned the Sudanese ambassador twice on 29 November to express our concerns in Ms Gibbons' case. He also spoke to the Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister on 29 November and 1 December.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions the Government are making to the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation.

Meg Munn: The UK is filling five key posts in the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC) which will be the main mechanism for civil society engagement in the African Union/United Nations-led Darfur Political Process and in longer-term reconciliation and rehabilitation in Darfur. These posts, which consist of a Chief of Operations, a Communication Officer and three Field Co-ordinators, will strengthen existing capacity and ensure that the DDDC can deliver a comprehensive and scaled-up plan for taking forward civil society engagement.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that Arab communities are represented in the African Union-UN led Darfur peace process.

Meg Munn: The UK has committed £1 million to support the Darfur Political Process, led by the African Union (AU) and UN. We have made clear to the AU and UN that effective consultation with Arab communities is essential for an inclusive process.
	The UK has committed over £2 million since July 2006, to support the AU in communicating the benefits of the Darfur Peace Agreement and the current political process to the people of Darfur. As part of this support, the AU will work with the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC) to hold a conference for Darfurian Arabs in early December. This will address concerns of the Arab tribes and further their engagement in the political process through the DDDC, which will be the main mechanism for civil society engagement in the political process and in longer-term reconciliation and rehabilitation in Darfur.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likelihood of substantial progress being made in the December peace process talks for Darfur.

Meg Munn: The start of the Darfur political talks in Libya on 27 October and the announcement of a cessation of hostilities by the government of Sudan were welcome steps towards ending the conflict in Darfur. The UK is currently supporting the African Union and United Nations in encouraging the rebel movements to unify further and agree on common platforms. Good progress has already been made, particularly among the rebel groups based in Juba. We hope to see further, significant progress in rebel preparedness for negotiations during December. Only a political process can provide a sustainable solution to the Darfur conflict.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the Government  (a) have offered and  (b) plan to offer to the UN-African Union force in Darfur, Sudan.

Meg Munn: holding answer 29 November 2007
	We are providing advice and support through a Brigadier who has deployed as Chief of Staff for the UN-African Union (AU) force in Darfur (UNAMID) and through UK military staff in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York. We are supporting the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in calling on countries to provide helicopters and ground transportation for UNAMID. We continue to contribute towards troop rotations for the AU Mission in Sudan, which will become part of the UNAMID force. Financial support to the UNAMID mission will be through assessed contributions to the UN.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary General of the UN on the situation in Darfur.

Meg Munn: holding answer 29 November 2007
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has discussed Darfur several times with the UN Secretary-General, including by telephone on 11 September and at the UN General Assembly in New York on 28 September.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sudan on the establishment, funding, staffing and equipping of the UN-African Union force in Darfur, Sudan.

Meg Munn: holding answer 29 November 2007
	We have repeatedly pressed the Government of Sudan not to obstruct a prompt and effective deployment of the UN-African Union (AU) hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur (UNAMID) and to accept the force composition agreed by the UN and the AU.
	Responsibility for the generation, staffing and equipping of the force lies with the UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations, in consultation with the AU. We are working closely with the Department for Peacekeeping Operations in calling on countries to provide helicopters and ground transportation for UNAMID.
	Funding for UNAMID will be through assessed contributions to the UN.

Torture

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what safeguards have been included in  (a) UK and  (b) EU agreements on sharing intelligence with countries that permit torture and corporal punishment within domestic law to exclude any information obtained by torture as defined in international law.

David Miliband: Torture is one of the most abhorrent violations of human rights and human dignity, and its use is absolutely prohibited under international law. We unreservedly condemn the use of torture and have made it an important part of our foreign policy to pursue its eradication world-wide. Where we are helping other countries to develop their own counter-terrorism capability, we ensure our training or other assistance promotes human rights compliance.
	The Government, including the Intelligence and Security Agencies, never use torture for any purpose, nor would we instigate others to do so. Our rejection of the use of torture is well known by our partners and our intelligence agencies routinely seek assurances from foreign liaison services on humane treatment of detainees.

Turkey: EU Enlargement

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of levels of support for EU accession among  (a) the people of Turkey and  (b) of Turkish Cypriots; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: The UK believes that strong popular support is key to the success of enlargement and fully supports initiatives ensuring that citizens better understand the process of enlargement. The UK notes that the most recent Eurobarometer Report (April to May 2007), found that 57 per cent. of Turks polled replied that EU membership would be a good thing. The UK has not conducted an independent assessment of levels of support for EU accession among Turkish Cypriots. However, our contacts with a range of Turkish Cypriot interlocutors and recent polls indicate that support for EU accession is waning. This underlines the need for the speedy implementation of the UN's 8 July 2006 Agreement leading to a just, comprehensive and durable settlement of benefit to all Cypriots, as well as the implementation of the EU Commission's projects which will improve the quality of life of ordinary Turkish Cypriots and bring them closer to the EU.

Uganda: Peace Negotiations

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the  (a) position adopted by the leadership of the Lord's Resistance Army and  (b) effect of this position on the peace talks being held with the Government of Uganda in Juba.

Meg Munn: The leadership of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) remains publicly supportive of the Juba peace talks. The Government welcome the current consultations being carried out in northern Uganda between the victims of the conflict and the LRA negotiating team. We are hopeful that a deal can be concluded early in 2008, but recognise that several difficult issues still need to be resolved.
	We have seen recent reports of a split in the LRA leadership, but these have yet to be confirmed. This has not had a negative impact on the peace process so far.

Whales: Conservation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his strategy is for  (a) increasing the UK's anti-whaling efforts,  (b) recruiting more pro-conservation countries to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and  (c) encouraging IWC members who have voted with Japan in the past to use their votes for whale conservation.

Meg Munn: The UK plays a prominent role in building and maintaining the coalition of anti-whaling countries within the International Whaling Commission (IWC). In advance of the 2007 annual meeting in Anchorage, the UK and its like-minded allies recruited a further six countries into the IWC, with the net result that the pro-whaling majority in that organisation was overturned. In a further response to UK lobbying efforts, several other countries have indicated willingness to support our opposition to Japanese whaling and to join the IWC in time for next year's annual meeting.
	British embassies and missions will shortly deliver to certain governments an updated version of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs publication "Protecting Whales—A Global Responsibility" as part of a lobbying campaign to encourage more countries to join the IWC, to strengthen further the global opposition to commercial whaling.
	UK diplomatic posts in all the relevant capitals are briefed, and engage in discussion with their counterparts on whaling at every appropriate opportunity. The UK, together with its like-minded allies, lobbies the governments of the countries that vote with Japan at the International Whaling Convention to ensure that they are in no doubt as to the importance we attach to whale conservation.

Whales: Conservation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his definition of scientific whaling is; what definition the Japanese Government uses of scientific whaling; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The UK believes that any scientific whaling should be confined to non-lethal research, and should be undertaken only if relevant proposals have been approved by the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
	The right of member states to issue permits for the killing of whales for scientific purposes is enshrined in article VIII of the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, the IWC's parent treaty. However, 'Scientific purposes' are not defined by the Convention. Furthermore, we doubt that the authors of the Convention anticipated that parties would undertake research on the scale now practised by Japan.
	Contrary to Japan's claims, its research programmes have not met with universal support or acclaim from the IWC Scientific Committee. That committee has not endorsed this research and has expressed many reservations.
	Japan says its scientific whaling programmes are essential to understand better whale populations and the ecosystems in which they reside. They state that a range of information is needed for the management and conservation of whales, such as population, age structure, growth rates, reproductive rates, feeding—and that this can only be obtained through lethal research.
	The UK has consistently voiced its opposition to Japanese scientific whaling. Like most IWC members, the UK does not believe that scientific research can justify the large-scale killing of whales. In our view, Japan's research programmes are deeply flawed.

Yoo Sang-joon

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of China in the case of Yoo Sang-joon, a North Korean on trial in China; with particular reference to the potential repatriation of Yoo Sang-joon to North Korea.

Meg Munn: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Jones) today (UIN 166854).